Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is excited to announce its third annual Dark Skies Festival - which takes place next weekend.

The festival will take place on Saturday, September 21 at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus.

This year’s festival promises a captivating line up of celestial events and is suitable for all ages.

Festival-goers can look forward to Solar Gazing sessions, offering a unique chance to safely observe our nearest star. As dusk falls, Star Gazing will take centre stage, allowing attendees to explore the wonders of the night sky through powerful telescopes.

For those who prefer a more narrative experience, Starry Telling sessions will bring the myths and legends of the stars to life. Sessions in the outdoor Planetarium will provide, immersive, educational shows, suitable for all the family.

Carol Williams, Sustainable Tourism Officer, said: “We are so excited to be organising our third annual Dark Sky Festival in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

“This event not only highlights our commitment to preserving the beauty of the night sky but also provides an educational and awe-inspiring experience for all ages.”

For more information and to book your tickets, please visit: www.breconbeacons.org/stargazing

Highlights of the festival include:

10am – 4pm: Free Solar gazing with Cardiff and Bridgend Astronomical Society, Hedgehog Helpline, The Uskelele Band, Carmarthen Cameras and MSG-Meteorites.

12pm / 3pm

Learn how to recognise constellations and the stories and legends behind them.

1pm / 4pm

Land on the surface of Venus and chase the moons of mighty Jupiter in this 360°planetarium show

3.30pm

Join Phill Wallace (Cardiff Astronomical Society) for a discussion on conspiracy theories – where they come from, why they persist and why they are dangerous.

7pm

Award-winning storyteller and writer Daniel Morden returns to tell timeless and magical traditional stories of the sun, moon and stars.

Visitors are encouraged to bring warm clothing and a sense of wonder as they gather under the National Park’s star-studded canopy.