South Downs Dark Skies Festival is back!
January 11, 2024
Are you ready to embrace the darkness?
The National Park’s popular Dark Skies Festival returns from 10 to 18 February with an action-packed line-up of events across Hampshire and Sussex.
Among the highlights will be stargazing sessions at 450ft, guided walks through the solar system, star parties, nocturnal wildlife, and celestial storytelling.
Despite being located in the bustling south east, the South Downs remains one of the darkest areas of England, offering immense views of the universe on a clear night.
One of only 21 International Dark Sky Reserves, the darkness is essential for wildlife to thrive as so many animals and plants rely on the natural rhythm of daylight into nighttime.
Among the in-person events in the evenings will be:
Saturday 10 Feb, Brighton seafront – star party and i360 talk.
Tuesday 13 Feb, Goodwood Country Park, Counters Gate – star party
Thursday 15 Feb, Queen Elizabeth Country Park – Walk The Planets, telescopes, storytelling, owl displays.
Friday 16 Feb, Hogmoor Inclosure, Bordon – Walk the Planets trail.
Saturday 17 Feb, Seven Sisters Country Park – Walk The Planets trail, telescopes, storytelling.
A range of other exciting events are taking place across the National Park, including Butser Ancient Farm and Amberley Museum.
Online there will be a range of useful films giving tips on stargazing and the winners of the astrophotography competition will be revealed.
The full programme will be available soon here and will also be shared in next month’s National Park newsletter. Booking may be required and events are weather-dependent.
