The Elan Valley International Dark Sky Park is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a day of talks, activities, and exhibitions for all ages.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 29 at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, from 10:30am to 3:30pm.

Visitors can enjoy a range of free activities, including hands-on sessions where children can handle real meteorites and learn about space rocks. These drop-in sessions will be held at 10:30am, 12pm, and 2pm.

There will also be several talks throughout the day. Matt Gadfield from the Elan Valley Dark Sky team will kick off the event with a look at the park’s history. Leigh Harling-Bowen will speak at midday about creating the first Dark Sky Community in England and Wales. At 1:30pm, Dr Henry Scofield will give a talk about bats, and at 2pm Rob Davies will offer advice for those interested in getting started with astronomy.

Visitors can view an astrophotography exhibition, meet members of the Newtown Astronomy Society, and see telescope equipment from First Light Optics. There will also be local producers selling dark sky-themed goods from the Cambrian Mountains.

For more information, visit: https://elanvalley.org.uk/events/10y/

The Elan Valley was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015 by DarkSky International to preserve and promote one of the UK’s darkest nightscapes, offering visitors unparalleled views of the cosmos. Over the past decade, its reputation for star-studded night skies has grown, enjoyed by stargazers and visitors seeking an escape from man-made light pollution.

The silver-tier status means that the entire 45,000 acres of the Elan Valley are protected against light pollution for the benefit of those who live and work there, in addition to the many visitors each year. The status also provides sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife and nature.