THE skies remained cloud-free and starlit for most events in the sixth Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, which finished last weekend.

The October festival attracted more than 2,000 participants from all over the country who travelled to explore the night sky under some of the UK’s least light-polluted skies.

Exmoor National Park Authority learning and engagement co-ordinator Sophie Tyler said: “The festival events attract thousands of people from diverse backgrounds who want to learn more about what they can see in the night sky.

“During events this year, families and astronomers have been observing Saturn and its rings and Jupiter and its moons.

“After a two-year break for Covid, we were able to bring back the huge inflatable planetarium which is an immersive experience for all ages, and hundreds of people enjoyed these popular sessions.”

Local business Wild about Exmoor, which runs events every week throughout the year, was joined during the festival by ITV West Country weatherman Charlie Powell.

Charlie recorded a feature for the evening news in which he described an event held in Exford Bridge Tea Rooms, an Exmoor Dark Sky Discovery Hub, as ‘fantastic’.

Katrina Munro, who co-ordinated the festival, said: “Interest in the festival has increased year after year.

“It is a great way to celebrate our designation as Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

“Many visitors enjoy coming for a long stay and attending multiple events.

“The festival gives Exmoor tourism businesses a boost during the autumn months, and we are delighted that dark skies events are now available in the national park all year around.

“Visitors can stargaze with the naked eye or binoculars, but for those wanting to see Saturn’s rings they can hire a telescope from one of our national park centres.

“The early dark nights of winter are an excellent time for families to venture outside and do our Dark Sky Discovery Trail.”

Poems inspired by Exmoor’s dark skies for this year’s festival competition should be submitted before November 11.

Prizes include a Celestron telescope, a hamper from SBA, and local produce.

The 2022 festival was sponsored by SBA Community Interest Company.

Ms Munro said new ideas and events for 2023 would soon be under discussion.

Details of stargazing activities and events on Exmoor can be seen at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/stargazing.