Stargazers and astronomers are preparing for the annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, an event dedicated to the beauty of the night sky. The festival, taking place from October 16 to November 1, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
The event spans various villages and towns around Exmoor National Park, offering a program of walks, talks, and shows designed to highlight the dark, clear night sky. The festival was established in 2017 with the goal of supporting local businesses during the latter part of the traditional tourism season.
Exmoor National Park was granted Dark Sky Reserve status by the International Astronomical Union in 2011, an accreditation aimed at protecting the public's right to enjoy the night sky by curbing light pollution. Festival organizer Julie Colman noted that the event brings together numerous activities over the two-week period, focusing on the skies, local wildlife, and well-being.
Approximately 80 events are scheduled throughout the park, including activities such as moonlit swimming, astronomy sessions, bioluminescence walks, and planetarium shows. This year's festival has seen significant demand, with many events selling out prior to its opening day.
Colman highlighted Exmoor's minimal light pollution as a key factor in its suitability for stargazing, stating that the darkness is "really dark with none of the pollution impacting." She added that in the core of the reserve, an area with virtually no light allows for exceptionally clear views of the sky, enabling visitors to see "incredible constellations" and the Milky Way.
Hotels in the vicinity have reported a positive impact from the festival. Antony Brunt, manager of the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, on the edge of Exmoor, observed that the event has gained wider recognition, leading to increased bookings. The hotel organizes special trips during the festival, guided by a local astronomer, and facilitates visits to various sites and events across the park. Brunt mentioned that the festival attracts visitors from across the UK, with some guests returning for dedicated stargazing weekends twice a year.
