Bumper programme of events lined up for Exmoor Dark Skies Festival

TEN years of Exmoor National Park Authority’s (ENPA) internationally-renowned Dark Skies Festival will be celebrated with a ‘bumper programme packed with exciting highlights’, organisers said this week.

Running from October 16 to November 1, the 10th anniversary festival will showcase the national park after dark, with events ranging from UV rock pooling and moonlit pool dips to planetarium sessions and nocturnal wildlife-themed crafting.

With a whole range of adventures beneath some of the darkest skies in the country, the festival will offer something for all ages and levels of experience.

Festival organiser Julie Colman said: “This year’s programme is packed with exciting highlights, from bioluminescence walks and opportunities to explore Exmoor’s heritage at night, to fascinating astronomy talks and shows.

“These include ‘The Wonders of our Universe’, a multimedia production by ‘The Average Scientist’, in the Regal Theatre, Minehead.

“Whether you are new to stargazing, an experienced sky-watcher, or interested in our nocturnal wildlife, there are plenty of ways to get involved and discover something new.”

ENPA enterprise and communications manager Dan James said: “Not only is this our tenth Dark Skies Festival, but this autumn also marks 15 years since Exmoor’s designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

“Over the years, the festival has grown into a real highlight in Exmoor's event calendar.

“We were so proud to have been designated the very first International Dark Sky reserve in all of Europe 15 years ago.

“Launching the festival 10 years ago has also given a welcome boost to our rural economy.

“Hundreds of small businesses have participated in hosting events over the years and the festival helps flag the uniqueness of the area."

Details of this year’s events are available in a printed programme from Exmoor National Park Centres in Dulverton, Dunster, and Lynmouth, as well as online.