Stellar line-up at new festival

The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks have launched the region’s first joint Dark Skies Festival, which will run during half-term (15-21 February).

With 30 events organised across 13 locations within the National Parks, visitors will be treated to an array of activities that will enable them to learn more about the wonders of the celestial world and find out how some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful spots can be enjoyed at night.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Budding astronomers can become expert stargazers and make their own telescope during an afternoon’s session at Sutton Bank National Park Centre, or join a dark skies activity trail at the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre.

“For a new perspective of the coast, families can head to Ravenscar for a stargazing safari in the company of Hidden Horizon’s expert astronomer who will provide a fun way of spotting constellations and planets with the help of a powerful telescope.”

G to www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/darkskies or www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/stargazing for a full programme schedule and booking details.