Exmoor’s tenth Dark Skies Festival set to illuminate Somerset with its biggest programme yet
Festival begins on 16th October with over 80 events planned
The tenth edition of the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is set to captivate stargazers with its largest lineup yet, featuring over 80 events from 16th October to 1st November this year.
Organisers expect more than 2,500 attendees to experience Exmoor's exceptional dark skies and engage with events designed for all ages and levels of interest.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as UV rock pooling, nighttime wildlife walks, and moonlit pool dips.
The festival caters to all ages and levels of experience, from families discovering the night sky for the first time to keen astronomers eager to experience Exmoor’s International Dark Sky Reserve.
Standout highlights include the return of the Space Odyssey Planetarium, offering immersive sessions in Minehead and Lynton, and the special 'Wonders of Our Universe' production at Minehead’s Regal Theatre on 25th October. This theatrical experience promises a journey through time and space, accompanied by breathtaking visuals and live music.
Julie Colman, festival organiser, described the event as “a brilliant opportunity to connect with nature, learn something fascinating and make lasting memories.”
Julie Colman, shared with Greatest Hits Radio how important the dark skies are for people and wildlife, she said: "As much as this festival focuses on what you see in the sky, we are also really aware now, probably much more of the importance of protecting the dark sky.
"We have a greater understanding of what light pollution does both to our visual experience, looking up at the stars, but also how important the dark skies are for wildlife."
She added: "There's only small changes that are needed that can make such a big difference in regards to light pollution.
Choosing to turn off lights, close your curtains, all these small changes help protect the dark skies."
Over the years, the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival has welcomed tens of thousands of people, helping extend the visitor season and boosting the local economy.
With events filling up quickly, attendees are encouraged to book early to secure a spot under Exmoor’s prestigious dark skies.
Those travelling to Exmoor are advised to explore Dark Sky Friendly Business accommodation for a complete experience amid the magical season.