THE first ever international Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is being planned for October and it is hoped to attract thousands of visitors from far and wide.

Exmoor National Park Authority other organisations will be holding events to appeal to families as well as those with a more in-depth interest in astronomy. There will be a range of activities throughout the day and night from October 19 to 29, including a large astro-party, star-gazing evenings, specialist talks, guided night walks and rocket workshops.

One of the largest mobile planetariums in the world (pictured) will feature on four days during the festival with sessions for both schools and the public. Other events include space film shows, bat talks and astro-photography exhibitions.

Experienced astronomer and author Seb Jay has been working with the park authority for many years and will be sharing his expertise at several stargazing events during the festival.

“The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is a great way to celebrate the area’s International Dark Sky Reserve status,” he said.

“With some of the darkest skies in Europe, Exmoor is the perfect place to visit to stargaze and discover more about the night sky.”

Another contributor to the festival will be Jo Richardson, from Space Detectives, who will be hosting a family based Astro and Space Party at Wimbleball Lake.

Jo is a European Space Educational Resource Office (ESERO-UK) space ambassador and also forms part of the South West BBC Stargazing Live team. 

“We have a brilliant opportunity to gain national and international exposure for Exmoor as a top star gazing destination,” said festival co-ordinator Katrina Munro.

“The world of space and astronomy has mass market appeal, as demonstrated in recent years by the endeavours of Tim Peake and his visit to the International Space Station.

“Jo’s Space Detective party sessions are loved by everyone and promise to be fun, fully interactive and educational at the same time. This year will also see the introduction of virtual reality into the event, transporting each participant into a 3D world of space discovery and learning.”

Organisers are appealing for businesses and community organisations to get involved and lay on their own dark sky related events during the festival period: “We’d be delighted to promote the event or experience as as part of the overall programme,” said Katrina.

“In addition, we have some valuable sponsorship opportunities for anyone wishing to be associated with this high profile event as well as advertising opportunities in the festival guide which will be distributed from August onwards.”

For further information email Katrin at [email protected] or call her on 01398 323665.