A Celebration of the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park’s Tenth Anniversary!
Join us on 29th June 2025 as we celebrate this special day, with themed talks, an astrophotography exhibition, children’s activities, an opportunity to buy delicious, dark sky-themed local produce, look at real, live telescope equipment with the First Light Optics team, get to meet the folks from our local friendly Newtown Astronomy Society and much more.
Location: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
Time: 10.30am-3.30pm
Take a look at our Design a Logo competition!
Children’s Activities:
Space Dust Hunting – Three drop-in sessions: 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm
Take the opportunity to handle REAL rocks from space! These space rocks are called meteorites and AstroCymru will help you discover more about where they came from and how they are formed. Suitable for 4-13 year-olds.
Any enquiries please ring us on 01597 810449
Themed Talks
Please note – *some of these times have changed: the times below are up-to-date.
10.30am – Ten Years of the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park – Matt Gadfield
Matt Gadfield, a member of the Elan Valley Dark Sky Team, will present a talk on the history of the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park and the efforts made over the past decade to preserve and enhance it.
*12pm – Dark Sky Communities – Leigh Harling-Bowen
Leigh Harling-Bowen will talk about his work in creating the very first Dark Sky Community in England and Wales. In 2023, Presteigne and Norton were given this prestigious designation which continues to lead the way for other communities to learn about how they can reduce man-made light pollution in their own areas and what the future may hold.
*1.30pm – Talking Bats – Dr Henry Scofield
Dr Henry Schofield will talk about the wonderful world of bats and how man-made light pollution is a threat to their very existence. Learn about how improving the environment for their survival will also benefit our own human habitats.
2pm – How to Get Started in Astronomy – Rob Davies
Interested in stargazing but don’t know where to start? Or want to capture the night sky with a camera but have no idea what to buy? Rob will give you all the information, hints and tips you will ever need to kick-start your journey in discovering the stars. Whether you are just using your eyes or want to know what the latest consumer astro-technology is available, this talk will point you in the right direction and help you avoid expensive pitfalls.