Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is holding a week-long Dark Skies Festival from February 21-26,to help people learn more about dark skies and introduce all ages to the wonders of stargazing, space and celestial stories.

The 380 square mile area – which also straddles Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset – was designated an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2019 and its StarFest 2022 is open to everyone.

Most events will be held online, ranging from basic astronomy, through to star tales for children and adults, to light pollution reduction, art workshops and stargazing.
Astronomer and Dark Sky Advisor to Cranborne Chase, Steve Tonkin, said: “If you’ve wanted to know more about our dark skies but were too afraid to ask, this is the festival for you!

“I’ll be hosting an introduction to astronomy, there are children’s art activities, astrophotography, we have a UK Space Ambassador joining us and we’re running a workshop on light pollution to explain how we can all do our bit to help make our dark skies even darker for environmental and health benefits.”

He said that building on the success of StarFest 2021 the event would include: “An introduction to observing deep sky for absolute beginners, some art workshops, and experts across all areas of dark skies and astronomy, ready and waiting to welcome people to this event.”

For further details on all the events and how to book, visit www.cranbornechase.org.uk or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk