A Northumberland attraction in one of the county's most popular beauty spots is hosting a light nights festival in June.
Kielder Observatory, which is in the heart of the UK's largest protected international dark skies park, will host the first Late Nights, Light Nights Festival over the last weekend in June. It will include a comedy night, movie night and light academy for children just days after the summer solstice.
The area around the observatory, which includes Kielder Water and Forest Park, was recently named one of the best places to stargaze in the UK, however, the staff at the observatory are hoping to provide 'a bit of fun' for guests during the lighter nights. The festival kicks off on Friday June 24 with a comedy night featuring North Tyneside-based comic group Felt Nowt.
Read more: Northumberland beauty spot named one of the best places to stargaze in the UK
Elaine Robertson will be MC and will host comedians Lauren Stone and Sean Turner. After the show, there'll be a chance to stargaze (weather permitting) and a tour of the observatory.
On Saturday and Sunday June 25 and 26, the Light Year academy will see all the observatory's Space Kid events combined into one 'stellar' show. Children can learn about the solar system, the planet, taken an observatory tour, help detect different types of invisible light and look at the Observatory's space rock collection.
It will be followed by a talk about space exploration and astronauts before children have the opportunity to make their own rockets.
Saturday evening features a screening of the classic Jodie Foster Sci-Fi film, Contact, followed by a presentation to explore the science behind the film by one of the astronomers and a tour of the observatory.
Catherine Johns, CEO of Kielder Observatory, said: "Kielder is famous for its dark skies, but we thought we would have a bit of fun with the lighter nights, demonstrating there is always something to see in the night sky. We hope this Late Nights, Light Nights Festival inspires and entertains our visitors just as much as our highly sought-after Late Nights Dark Skies events."
For more information and to register for tickets, visit the Kielder Observatory website.
Read next
- How Kielder Water was officially opened 40 years ago - and 10 facts about the reservoir
- In pictures: the stunning photography from one of the UK's best stargazing destinations
Seven things worth celebrating about England's most northerly county this Northumberland Day
Plan for cycle trails to link north Northumberland landmarks and beauty spots
