This year the Fforest Fawr Geopark is 10 years old and the Geo- Festival runs from Saturday, May 21 to Sunday, June 5.
The jam-packed fortnight is full of walks, talks and there is even a family activity day at Craig y nos in half term. Join Nick Busby, chair of the Usk and Abergavenny Astronomical Societies, on Wednesday for the keynote speech which explains how rocks and dark skies are a match made in heaven.
The keynote speech for the festival is taking place on Wednesday, May 25 in the Elim Hall, Brecon at 7pm and is sponsored by the Brecon Beacons Park Society.
Alan Bowring, geopark development officer, said: “The event titled, ‘From Pen y Fan to Olympus Mons’, explores the four inner planets of the solar system and how they have become what they are today. It brings together both the National Park’s Geopark and the International Dark Sky Reserve and all attending will hear about everything from the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons to the highest mountain in the solar system.”
The popular Family Activity Day in the Park takes place during the half term holidays on Wednesday, June 1, 10am-4.30pm at Craig-y-nos Country Park and is free to all (there is a £4 car parking charge). Everyone is invited to join in with stone carving, woodworking and for children there is a zip wire.
Ian Rowat, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority member, said: “This celebration of the Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark is the perfect time to find out what makes the western half of the National Park special. Visitors can learn more about the area’s flowers, wildlife and its forts and rocks and understand why this area is so highly protected and so very well worth visiting.”
To view the full programme visit www.fforestfawrgeopark.org.uk/geofest-2016 or call the National Park Visitor Centre on 01874 623366.