From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 September, the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority will host its second annual Dark Sky Festival.
The festival will feature both free and paid-for events, including planetarium shows, astronomy lessons, wildlife walks and storytelling. The festival aims to inspire and educate people about our beautiful night sky.
The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, celebrated for its low light pollution and breath-taking views of the stars. Minimal light pollution is vital not only for star-gazing, but for wildlife and for our own wellbeing. The National Park aims to reduce artificial light at night wherever possible.
Carol Williams, Sustainable Tourism Officer at the National Park, said ‘We’re delighted to be running the festival again this year. Last year, due to covid restrictions, all of our events were online. This year we’re thrilled to have so many wonderful activities being delivered in person. I’m really looking forward to welcoming people to the festival.’
The full programme is below and tickets can be booked here: https://www.breconbeacons.org/whats-on/dark-sky-festival-2022
Dark Sky Festival Programme 2022
Friday 23 September
9:30 – 10:15 Journey to the Stars with Nick Busby (virtual schools event)
18:00 – 21:00 Paddleboarding Under the Stars with Outdoor Explore Wales, Brecon Prom
19:00 – 20:00 Bat Walk with Just Mammals, Brynich Lock
Saturday 24 September
13:00-14:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00 and 16:00-17:00 Planetarium Shows with Usk Astronomical Society, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
13:00 – 13:45 Children’s activities with the National Park Education Team, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
10:00 – 16:00 Solar Gazing with Cardiff Astronomical Society, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
14:00 – 14:45 All about moths and how to make a moth trap with Norman Lowe, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
15:00 – 15:45 Meteorites with Nick Busby, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
18:00 – 21:00 Paddleboarding Under the Stars with Outdoor Explore Wales, Brynich Lock
18:30 – 20:00 Starry Telling with Daniel Morden, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
19:00 – 21:00 Observing with Telescope and binoculars with Usk Astronomical Society, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
19:00 – 20:00 Bat walk with Just Mammals, Brecon Prom
Sunday 25 September
13:00-14:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00 and 17:00-18:00 Planetarium shows with Usk Astronomical Society, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
13:00 – 16:00 Solar Gazing with Cardiff Astronomical Society, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
13:00 – 13:45 Myths and Legends in the Sky, storytelling with Carl Gough, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
14:30 – 15:15 Myths and Legends in the Sky, storytelling with Carl Gough, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
18:00 – 20:00 Paddleboarding Under the Stars with Outdoor Explore Wales, Brynich Lock
18:00 – 21:00 Observing with Telescope and binoculars with Usk Astronomical Society, National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus
ENDS