Lights down. Look up. Love the Night
The tenth edition of the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is almost here with its biggest ever programme Friday 16 October to Sunday 1 November 2026
Over 2500 people are expected to enjoy more than 80 events and experience Exmoor’s amazing dark skies - some of the best in the UK. Exmoor was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve In 2011 by Dark Skies International, for its clear skies, low levels of light pollution and a shared commitment from partners to protect and celebrate them.
In 2017 the first Exmoor Dark Skies Festival was launched to encourage people to look up and engage with the dark skies, while supporting local businesses towards the end of the season. Ten years later, it’s still going strong! The festival helps people best experience the night sky and inspires National Park residents, visitors and businesses to care about reducing light pollution levels and protect our nocturnal wildlife.
More than 80 events will take place across the National Park, offering something for all ages and levels of experience, from those discovering the night sky for the first time to keen stargazers looking for new ways to enjoy Exmoor’s International Dark Sky Reserve. Highlights include UV rock pooling, Nighttime wildlife walks, moonlit pool dips, and more.
The ever-popular Space Odyssey Planetarium returns this year, with planetarium sessions being held in both Minehead and Lynton. The sessions offer a spectacular indoor experience that brings the scale, beauty and mystery of the universe vividly to life.
Many events are already full, or close to selling out, such as Wonders of Our Universe, on Sunday 25 October at Minehead’s Regal Theatre. The production is being put on as a highlight of the 10th festival celebrations and offers a live journey through time and space, from the birth of the cosmos to humanity’s first steps beyond Earth, with breathtaking visuals and atmospheric music.
Festival organiser Julie Colman said: “Exmoor’s Dark Skies Festival about having fun, trying something new and being inspired by the wonder of the night sky. With a fantastic range of experiences for all ages, it’s a brilliant opportunity to connect with nature, learn something fascinating and make lasting memories under some of the country’s darkest skies. Events are popular and places are limited, so book early to avoid missing out.”
To view the full 2026 programme and book tickets, visit: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival
For media enquiries, please contact: ruralenterprise@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk