Guide to the South Downs Dark Skies Festival

We are currently right in the middle of the South Downs Dark Skies Festival, which is particularly significant this year as it marks the 10th anniversary of the National Park being designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. Often referred to as 'Moore’s Reserve' in honor of the late Sir Patrick Moore, this status recognizes the area as one of the best places in the country to see the stars. For those of us living in Brighton, the festival, which runs until Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, offers a chance to see the Milky Way and constellations that are usually hidden by the city's light pollution.

If you are looking for something close to home, there is a Star Party on the Brighton seafront this coming Saturday, February 21st. It is taking place in front of the Brighton i360 on the lower Kings Road from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The South Downs National Park Authority and Brighton Astro will have telescopes set up for public use, provided the weather stays clear. It is a free event and you do not need to book in advance. They are also using the evening to record segments for their 'Embrace the Darkness' podcast, which explores how dark skies benefit both human wellbeing and local wildlife like bats and owls.

For a more immersive experience, Seven Sisters Country Park is hosting several activities. They have set up a 'Walk the Planets' trail, which is a short, accessible route where the planets of our solar system are laid out to scale. There is also a new Dark Skies Explorer Trail where you can follow the story of the Great Bear constellation through audio elements. If you head out that way, you might also see the touring exhibition of this year’s astrophotography competition winners. The overall winning shot, 'Ancient Light' by Michael Steven Harris, was actually taken in the Balsdean Valley near Brighton, showing just how close these dark sky spots really are.

Beyond just stargazing, the festival highlights 'nature at night' through specialized events. This includes biofluorescence walks where experts use UV torches to reveal plants and insects that glow in the dark. For those who prefer a guided trek, there are 'Dark Skies Walks' organized at Birling Gap and Bignor Hill. These guided night walks are usually about 2 to 3 miles long and are priced at £30.00. Participants for these specific walks need to be over 10 years old and are required to bring their own torch.

The festival also promotes the 'Turn out that light!' message, encouraging residents to reduce light pollution to help nature recovery. If you are planning to visit one of the ten official Dark Sky Discovery Sites, such as Devil’s Dyke or Ditchling Beacon, remember that these events are highly weather-dependent. It is a good idea to check the official South Downs National Park social media channels or their website on the day for any last-minute cancellations due to poor visibility. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or just curious about the night sky, the remaining days of the festival provide plenty of opportunities to see the stars before the event concludes this weekend.