Milestone Exmoor Dark Skies Festival programme now available
Ten years ago, the festival that’s helped thousands rediscover the night began
Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is inviting residents and visitors to pick up a programme for its tenth celebration of the National Park’s internationally renowned Dark Skies and start planning their visit to the 2026 Exmoor Dark Skies Festival.
Running from 16 October to 1 November, the full event listing is available as a printed programme from Exmoor National Park Centres in Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth, as well as online at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival
A bumper programme of events across the Exmoor area will showcase the National Park after dark. From UV Rock pooling and Moonlit pool dips to Planetarium sessions and nocturnal wildlife-themed crafting. With adventures beneath some of the darkest skies in the country, the festival offers something for all ages and levels of experience.
Festival Organiser Julie Colman said: “This year’s programme is packed with exciting highlights, from bioluminescence walks and opportunities to explore Exmoor’s heritage at night, to fascinating astronomy talks and shows, including ‘The Wonders of our Universe’, a multimedia production by ‘The Average Scientist’ at the Regal Theatre, Minehead. Whether you’re new to stargazing, an experienced sky-watcher or interested in our nocturnal wildlife there are plenty of ways to get involved, discover something new and be inspired to help protect our precious dark skies and the wildlife that depends on them.”
Further details about the festival can be found at: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival.
Printed programmes are also available now from National Park Centres in Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth, and other local outlets giving people an easy way to browse events, choose activities and plan their festival experience.
Enterprise and Communications Manager Dan James said: “Not only is this our tenth Dark Skies festival, but this autumn also marks 15 years since Exmoor’s designation as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Over the years the festival has grown into a real highlight in Exmoor's event calendar. We were so proud to have been designated the very first International Dark Sky reserve in all of Europe 15 years ago.
Launching the festival 10 years ago has proven to be a great way of engaging thousands of people in enjoying, appreciating and better understanding the importance of our internationally significant dark skies. It’s also given a welcome boost to our rural economy at the end of the season. Hundreds of small businesses have participated in hosting events over the years, and the festival helps flag the uniqueness of the area on a national and international stage."
