MORE than 50 special events will showcase the spectacular starry skies above Exmoor when Europe’s first designated dark sky reserve holds its 2024 Dark Skies Festival from October 18 to November 3, it was announced this week.

Julie Colman, rural enterprise co-ordinator for Exmoor National Park Authority who is organising the event, said: “Not only is the festival a celebration of the unique quality of Exmoor’s dark skies but it’s also the 70th anniversary of Exmoor being designated as a national park.”

This will be the eighth time the authority has hosted a range of experiences inspired by the wonders of the night sky and which last year attracted over 2,500 star-gazers.

Julie Colman added: “This year’s festival will include something for everyone, with well over 50 events, from active adventures to contemplative experiences, and talks on the value of our night skies for wildlife, human health and the sheer beauty.

“The festival programme is packed this year with events which include immersive planetarium experiences, dark skies yoga by moonlight, a family astro party and a ranger-led dark skies walk and talk.

“The wide range of attractions will also include a gin and stargazing evening, space detectives and fireside storytelling. You can pick up a free programme from our National Park Centres and local Exmoor businesses or check out our festival webpage for all the treats in store.”

Dan James, the authority’s enterprise and communications manager, added: “Now in its eighth year, the festival has become a real highlight in the Exmoor calendar, and we look forward to introducing thousands of people to one of Exmoor’s very special qualities.

“Events like this not only offer people a wonderful opportunity to experience Exmoor, they also help to engender a greater appreciation and value of an increasingly rare commodity, while supporting our rural communities and businesses going into the quieter winter season.”

Exmoor became Europe’s first dark sky reserve in 2011 following three years of work by local authorities, astronomers and scientists to cut down light pollution.

More details about stargazing on Exmoor and this year’s festival can be found herehttp://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival.