Dark Skies Festival

Northern Lights at Saltwick Bay Credit Andy Dawson Photography

Dark Skies Fringe Festival (22 - 31 October 2021)

Alongside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, we're delighted to be celebrating our second Fringe Festival this October half term. We know how much you love your celestial activities, it's a pleasure to showcase just how special our dark skies are.

It's also the first Fringe Festival as a designated International Dark Sky Reserve. Did you know our combined area of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales represents the largest protected area in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe? Now that's got to be something to celebrate!

What's happening?

As always we've got an awesome line up of events to get you out and about under the starry skies of the North York Moors. From night zips in Dalby Forest and night navigation on the moors, to children's trails at our National Park Centres and astrophotography workshops. Find out all about the Light Spectacular on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and don't miss the Illuminated Abbey at Whitby. There's stargazing sessions aplenty and ways for you to connect with the night on mindful experiences.

Don't delay as events sell out quickly. See the full programme and get involved in the Festival fun!

We wouldn't blame you for getting caught up in Festival mania but there's loads to see and do during the day too! Make a proper holiday of it and book some dark skies friendly accommodation.

We wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks to all the wonderful individuals and activity providers who make our Dark Skies Festivals such a success! You help to share the awe and amazement of seeing a sky full of stars.