Appreciate the wonders of our night sky in this after-dark festival.
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival is back this half term for its fourth year.
The festival aims to celebrate our dark skies and the natural wonder of a star-filled sky.
The Dark Skies Fringe Festival takes place from Friday 27 October to Sunday 5 November 2023 at the North York Moors National Park. The main festival takes place in February.
The North York Moors is one of only 21 locations in the world to be recognised for pristine, dark skies, and it’s designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
The ten-day packed programme features events from a night time bike ride and guided night walks through to searching for alien lifeforms and a journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Light Spectacular steam train!
To see the full programme of North York Moors events, visit the Dark Skies website.
Six highlights for the Dark Skies Fringe Festival 2023
Introduction to Night time Bike Riding
Have you ever wanted to experience what it’s like riding at night time? As part of our Dark Skies Fringe Festival, we are offering introductory after dark sessions in partnership with Sutton Bank Bikes. You will be taken out on a guided bike ride along the green route (3 miles) at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
- Sutton Bank National Park Centre, YO7 2EH
- Fri 27 Oct
- 7pm
- £10
- Tickets
NYMR Light Spectacular
Join North Yorkshire Moors Railway to marvel at their heritage carriages, decorated with thousands of lights, before departing from Pickering Station for an awe-inspiring journey alongside a DJ-Mix of music that will get you in the mood for a party the whole family will enjoy.
- Pickering Station, Pickering, YO18 7AJ
- Fri 27 Oct – Sun 12 Nov
- Departing at 6:15pm or 7:45pm
- £25
- Tickets
Stargazing in Dalby Forest
Join the iconic Astro Dog team for 2 hours of stargazing in Dalby Forest. During the event, you will enjoy a guided tour of the night sky, learn about asterisms, constellations, how to navigate the night sky and how to identify objects. Learn about what you can see in the night sky, plus tips and tricks from Astro Dogs experienced astronomers.
- Astro Dog, Dalby Forest Stargazing Hub, YO18 7LT
- Sat 28 Oct – Sat 4 Nov
- 7pm
- From £20
- Tickets
Planetarium show – we are aliens!
Join Cosmic Wonders in their planetarium dome and join in on the search for alien life!
- Guisborough Methodist Church, Guisborough High Street, TS14 6AF
- Sat 28 Oct
- 10am, 10:45am, 11:30am
- £8
- Tickets
Night Navigation Experience
Join Large Outdoors for a leisurely night navigation experience in the North York Moors. During the event you will learn how to use navigation skills to find your way after the sun has set, receive invaluable tips and tricks from our expert navigation leader and enjoy a sociable evening out on the North York Moors with your fellow likeminded learners.
- Lastingham, North York Moors, YO62 6TN
- Sat 28 Oct & Sat 4 Nov
- 6:45pm
- £30
- Tickets
Dark Skies Festival Night Walk
Join Large Outdoors for a special Dark Skies Festival night walk along footpaths and trails around the village of Lastingham in the North York Moors, a designated International Dark Sky Reserve.
During this 3 hour experience, you will wander in awe as you walk under a truly dark sky, switch off from everyday life as you absorb the feeling of remoteness from the towns and villages beyond and enjoy walking with an experienced guide and a group of fellow star chasers.
- Lastingham, North York Moors, YO62 6TN
- Sun 29 Oct
- 6:45pm
- £15
- Tickets