Join astronomers, artists, wildlife experts and more at Mission Control for a day of hands-on demonstrations, crafts and talks about everything under (and around) the sun. Find out how the stars, moon and planets shaped the beliefs of ancient cultures with Timescape Archaeology and make your own star-aligned artefact. Join Gary Palmer for a solar observing session and learn about how dark skies protect wildlife with Radnorshire Wildlife Trust. There will also be the opportunity to purchase delicious dark-sky-themed products and merchandise!
Admission Free – There is a charge for the planetarium shows
Part of the Elan Dark Sky Festival 2026.
10.30am – Opening Speech
Professor Gaston, Board Member of DarkSky International will give an opening speech.
Location: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
11am – Live Stargazing / Talk from New Zealand
Join Gareth Davies, a Member of DarkSky International’s Dark Sky Places Committee, as he takes you on a live tour of the night skies of New Zealand.
If the weather doesn’t play ball down under, he will give a talk about his work in obtaining a Dark Sky International status in our ‘twinned’ dark sky, Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Sanctuary, and talk about the treasures of the southern hemisphere.
Book Now
Location: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm – Astroarchaeology with Timescape Rhayader
Find out how the stars, moon and planets shaped the beliefs of ancient cultures with Timescape Archaeology and make your own star-aligned artefact. No need to book.
Location: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
12pm – Lantern Making
Learn how to make willow and paper lanterns inspired by nocturnal creatures in and around Elan Valley. Artist Zoe Matthews will lead groups through lantern making workshops using willow structures and crepe paper in preparation for a lantern procession at a secret location on Saturday evening.
Fully Booked
Location: Lost Arc, Rhayader
11am – 5pm – Solar Observing
Gary Palmer is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and Assistant Director of the Equipment and Technical Section of the British Astronomical Association. He will be setting up his solar telescope for you to safely see the Sun close-up! No need to book.
Location: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
11am – 5pm – Radnorshire Wildlife Trust
Dark skies are essential for nature. Come and meet Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and find out more about the work they do to protect wildlife and natural habitats in the area.
Location: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
11am – 5pm – Mid Wales Astronomy
Come and meet the members of Mid Wales Astronomy, where they will show you telescopes, answer all your questions about the night sky and talk about their society
Location: Elan Valley Visitor Centre
11am, 2pm and 4pm – Planetarium Shows
The Elan Valley Dark Sky Team will be bringing the stars to Rhayader through their planetarium shows throughout the day! A planetarium is a large inflatable tent and a cinema all at the same time, where stars are projected inside the dome.
Solar System Show – 11am – Book Now
The Elan Valley Dark Sky Team will take you on a tour of the Solar System through their planetarium show. Starting from the Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park and finishing with the furthest man-made object in space, Voyager 1, this show is suitable for people of all ages.
Celtic Constellations and Mythology Planetarium Show – 1pm – Book Now
Did you know the ancient Celtic people of the UK had their own stories and mythologies about the night sky? The Elan Valley Dark Sky Team will take you on a magical tour of the night sky and reveal our well-known constellations in a new light.
Storytelling Under the Stars – 4pm – Book Now
Storytelling is an ancient tradition in educating and entertaining people, and this planetarium show will create a peaceful space to relax and be inspired. Storyteller Mair Tomas Ifans will present a magical collection of ancient Welsh tales about the night as the majesty of the cosmos spins overhead, interwoven by enchanting music from her harp.
Location: CARAD, Rhayader
