From glowing fungi and ghost trains to stargazing and silent discos, North Yorkshire’s national parks are preparing to celebrate the wonders of the night during this year’s Dark Skies Fringe Festival.
The festival, which runs from October 23 to November 1, will feature a programme of activities across the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, encouraging visitors to embrace the darkness and discover the natural world after sunset.
Both national parks are designated International Dark Sky Reserves, recognised for their exceptional night skies.
Among the more unusual attractions will be a UV fungi woodland walk led by Lucy Cuzzocrea of Wild Roots Foraging.
Armed with special ultraviolet torches, participants will explore the hidden colours of fungi and insects while learning about the science behind the natural phenomena.
At Sutton Bank, visitors can take part in an outdoor silent disco featuring music from York St John University’s The Long Dead Stars, whose new album, The Dark Core, takes inspiration from the night sky and cosmos.
Families can also enjoy twilight storytelling with local actor Bidi Iredale at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.
Other events include guided night walks, opportunities to learn navigation using the stars, and a 65km night-time gravel bike ride from Sutton Bank.
Walking groups Yorkie Talkies Outdoors and Walk Yorkshire will lead excursions to locations including Ashes Wood near Helmsley and the Hole of Horcum.
For those seeking a more relaxing experience, there will be stargazing sessions at Ampleforth Abbey, Danby and Sutton Bank, as well as a winter owl evening at the National Centre for Birds of Prey.
The festival also coincides with Halloween, with spooky activities including the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Mad Alice’s ghost train, a haunted hotel murder mystery evening at Danby Lodge and ghost walks at Robin Hood’s Bay.
A Halloween-themed space event will also take place in Guisborough.
Vicky Burton, marketing officer at the North York Moors National Park, said the festival aimed to change people’s perceptions of darkness.
She said: “There’s a perception that nature goes to sleep as soon as darkness falls but as the Festival will show, there’s a lot of nightlife out there waiting to be discovered.
“Plus, one of the strong themes of this year’s Fringe event is showing how people can get out safely after dark to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of standing under a pristine night sky.”
Several accommodation providers are also offering special dark skies packages for visitors wishing to stay longer.
Further information, including booking details and prices, is available at darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk
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