South Downs Dark Skies Festival: 10 Years of Starlight

If you’re looking for a great reason to escape the city glow this winter, the annual South Downs Dark Skies Festival is returning soon, and this year is a big one. Running from Thursday, February 12, to Sunday, February 22, 2026, the festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade since the South Downs National Park was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR), often referred to as The Moore’s Reserve.

This two-week event is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate why the South Downs, despite being so close to major urban areas like Brighton, remains one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. The program is packed with events across Sussex and Hampshire, designed for everyone from seasoned astronomers to families just looking for a unique night out.

For those of us based near the coast, the festival brings the stars right to our doorstep with Star Parties planned for the Brighton seafront. These events are usually drop-in, giving you a chance to look through telescopes and chat with local astronomy groups without having to travel far into the National Park. If you are willing to venture further, other major star parties are scheduled at locations like Seven Sisters Country Park, Amberley Museum, Alice Holt Forest, and Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

Beyond the telescopes, the festival offers some truly unique nature experiences. A major highlight is the focus on nocturnal wildlife, particularly the phenomenon of biofluorescence. Expert David Atthowe of Reveal Nature will lead special Biofluorescent Night Walks at Seven Sisters Country Park on February 12. These walks use UV torches to reveal a hidden world where organisms like spiders, lichens, and plants glow in vivid, unexpected colours—a secret side of nature that only comes out after dark. These walks are suitable for ages 8 and up, but remember to dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes, as rain actually enhances the experience.

For families, the festival is launching a new activity called the Dark Skies Explorer Trail. This accessible trail incorporates audio and storytelling, inviting participants to follow the journey of the Great Bear through the constellations. You can find these Explorer Events at various venues, including Seven Sisters Country Park (February 14), Alice Holt Forest (February 17), Amberley Museum (February 18), and Queen Elizabeth Country Park (February 19). Many of these family events also include virtual reality experiences, games, and opportunities to meet local wildlife experts, such as the Hampshire Bat Group at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

To mark the 10th anniversary properly, there are a couple of special celebratory evenings. The South Downs Centre in Midhurst will host an event featuring “Dark Skies” Dan Oakley, discussing the National Park’s journey as an IDSR. Additionally, acclaimed travel author and DarkSky International editor Megan Eaves-Egenes will be launching her new book, Nightfaring: In Search of the Disappearing Darkness, at the same venue.

If you’re keen on capturing the night sky yourself, the festival includes practical workshops. Award-winning astrophotographer “Astro” Abby Moule is leading a practical session on photographing the night sky at Queen Elizabeth Country Park on February 19. This hands-on workshop is limited to eight people and requires specific equipment (DSLR/mirrorless camera, sturdy tripod, fast lens), making it ideal for those ready to dive into astrophotography.

Remember that all in-person stargazing events are dependent on the weather, so it’s always wise to check the South Downs National Park Authority website for the full program and any last-minute updates before heading out. Some events are drop-in, but the specialist walks and workshops often require booking tickets in advance.