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. Plus much, much more!
Part of the Elan Dark Sky Festival 2026.
Some events require registration – please see below.
Come and see some live stargazing from New Zealand!
11am – Elan Valley Visitor Centre
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.
Lantern Making
12pm session – Lost Arc, Rhayader
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.
Free Entry
