Launch of North Pennines Stargazing Festival

The programme for the fifth North Pennines Stargazing Festival launches this week. The return of in-person stargazing events is set for Autumn half term (22 to 31 October 2021).

This year’s festival offers a packed programme of fun and informative events spanning the autumn half-term holiday. There are activities for more experienced stargazers alongside events aimed at children and families.

Daily astronomy and nocturnal wildlife watching tips will be posted on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week – to inspire stay-at-home stargazers and people interested in seeing creatures of the night in the North Pennines.

The return of the two-night Star Camp at Doe Park Caravan Site in Teesdale, with star camp veteran and astronomy expert, Richard Darn is set to be popular again.  Skywatch at Talkin Tarn Country Park, supported by Border Astronomical Society, returns in 2021 – after a sell-out event in 2019. ‘Pies and skies’ at The Hive in Nenthead – combines a hearty pie supper, stargazing and star chat with local astronomer and science educator – Andy Gray.

The programme is full of half-term activities, from solar system walks, stargazing events at High Force and Raby Castle and a range of exciting themed nights at Grassholme Observatory in Upper Teesdale – including ‘aurora nights’ and a close-up look at the Andromeda Galaxy. Alston Moor Golf Club hosts From the Moon to Infinity an event run by local astronomer and astrophotographer, Gary Lintern, and former Chairman of Sunderland Astronomical Society, Michael Tweedy.

Shane Harris, Responsible Tourism Lead for the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “The festival went online last year and we hope that the return to ‘live’ events in 2021 will be welcomed. We have a wide range of events spread across the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark, appealing to local people and visitors to the area. The North Pennines is the darkest mainland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy stargazing – the festival is designed to make it easy for people to celebrate the area’s fabulous starry skies.”

Discover the entire programme at www.NorthPenninesStarFest.org.uk