Forest of Bowland Dark Skies Festival 2025
Monday 17th to Saturday 22nd February
Enjoy a week of exciting events celebrating the beauty of the winter night skies above Bowland.
Organisers will be hoping for fine weather this coming half-term as the Forest of Bowland’s seventh Dark Skies Festival approaches.
Starting on Monday 17th February and running through until Saturday 22nd, this year’s festival highlights the fantastic starscapes above Bowland, takes a look at some of the area’s nocturnal inhabitants, discovers the international career of a local astronomer and has a wild, family-friendly visit to the woods.
Event Highlights:
- Discover the fascinating career of Preston-born astronomer, Frank Holden, on 17th February, with an online talk from Preston & District Astronomical Society. Frank’s astronomical journey began at the age of ten, and his career took him from Lancashire to the United States and South Africa before returning to the UK.
- 18th February offers a chance to visit Frank’s workplace of almost 20 years – the Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory, based in Moor Park in Preston. View the historic Cooke 8-inch refractor telescope, enjoy a talk on the night sky and – weather permitting – step outside for some winter stargazing.
- Enjoy a fun, family-friendly session with artist, Keith Pilkington, on the afternoon of 20th February. Using pastels, chalks and paint, let Keith fire your creativity and go home with some fantastic night-sky inspired artwork.
- Learn about one of our most recognisable nocturnal creatures – the badger – on the morning of 21st February when Lancashire County Council ranger, Paul Shoreman, leads a guided walk in Ribchester.
- Join Wild By Nature in Dunsop Bridge for an adventure-filled woodland play session on Saturday 22nd February and keep an eye out for further details of an accessible walk in Gisburn Forest, with the chance to explore the night-time woodlands on an all-terrain wheelchair.
Sandra Silk, Forest of Bowland National Landscape Project Officer said: “We’re so lucky that the relatively low levels of light pollution in Bowland let us see the night skies in all their glory.
Whether you’re looking for astronomy, wildlife, sweet-treats round the campfire, or simply being inspired by the beauty of Bowland after dark, we hope you’ll find something to tempt you along during our night sky-themed week of events.”
For further information and booking details visit the website