Dark Skies Festival 2020

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It is that time of year again when the weather attempts to defeat us. However there is a secret weapon to motivate us to #GetOutside  The 5th year of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Dark Skies Festival is almost upon us. This annual event focuses our attentions onto the unspoilt Dark Skies that you can find in our National Parks. The Yorkshire Dales National Parks festival runs from 14th February to the 1st March 2020.  Hosted in collaboration with The North York Moors the festival offers visitors to the two National Parks and the local community the opportunity to discover the thrills, fun and excitement that comes with getting outside after dark. Not able to come and see us in Wensleydale? This celebration of all things celestial can be found in many of the other National Parks and areas of Outstanding Natural beauty.  

This year the festival in the Yorkshire Dales will focus on activities that promote the experience of being outside in areas of great beauty and finding “peace, calm and tranquillity. An essential breathing space to us all in this hectic world. National Parks are places were remoteness and solitude can be easily found with limited negative influences from light pollution and artificial lights. Perfect then for fans of yoga, or enjoying a dip in a warm hot tub, running or biking to free the mind or just anyone who likes to take time out in the great outdoors. There is a fantastic range of activities on offer that will suit all tastes, and ages. Events including cycling, walking, wildlife-watching, photography courses, stargazing parties, movies or quizzes, talks and presentation from star gazing groups and expert astronomers, rocket-making workshops, and fun activities. 

Don’t worry if you are not quite Brian Cox in your knowledge of our solar system. The range of events for are suitable for families, first-time stargazers and those wishing to expand their knowledge or astrophotography skills further.  The events are provided by an array of local organisations in each location including the National Park Authorities, local councils and businesses.  

North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales (14 February-1 March 2020)

Since 2016's inaugural event, the Festival has become an unmissable fixture in the calendar, with the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorities celebrating the jewels of the night sky. With over 100 events, join in on a nebula adventure to explore the cosmos for the fifth Dark Skies Festival. 

Our cycling events include:

Sunseekers Ride

February 19th 11am-12

Children Bike Ride. Follow the solar system in search of the sun! Suitable for balance bikes and beginners.  This is a short traffic free route along a footpath to Cotterforce fall. Book through Stage 1 Cycles 01969 666873