North East Dark Skies Festival 2026

Celebrate noctourism at the North East Dark Skies Festival — a series of night-time events celebrating celestial wonders and outdoor evening experiences.

Friday 13 - Saturday 21 February 2026 | Available across Northumberland (see individual events for details)

Experience the magic of night skies through a diverse programme of events designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and connection. From guided rides and wildlife encounters to immersive stargazing and family-friendly evenings, the North East Dark Skies Festival invites everyone to experience the beauty of darkness and rediscover the wonders above. Across forests, coastlines and countryside, these events make the most of our exceptional landscapes and naturally dark skies.

Upcoming events:

• The Astronomy Photograph of the Year 16 Exhibition
  Date: 15 November 2025 - 15 March 2026
  Location: The Sill, Twice Brewed

• Hiddle Hut - Star-grazing picnics whilst you gaze
  Date: 1 February - 28 February 2026
  Location: Hiddle Hut, Bardon Mill

• Northumberland Coast National Landscape Family Stargazing Evening
  Date: 13 February 2026
  Location: Crichton Memorial Hall, Embleton

• Twice Brewed Inn Stargazing
  Date: 13 February - 21 February 2026
  Location: Twice Brewed Inn

• Dusk Walk & Beer Tasting
  Date: 14 February 2026
  Location: The Tap Room (First & Last Brewery), Bellingham

• Northumberland Wildlife Trust Immersive Stargazing Experience by NASTRO
  Date: 14 February 2026
  Location: Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre

• Yogalates & Star Gazing Meditation with Three By One
  Date: 19 February 2026
  Location: Beadnell Bay Beach

• Rewild the Night
  Date: 20 February 2026
  Location: Hepple Estate

• Dark Skies & Creatures of the Night
  Date: 20 February 2026
  Location: Walltown Country Park

• Lord Crewe Arms Stargazing Evenings
  Date: 21 February 2026
  Location: Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland

• Team Cycles / Kielder Bike Hire Evening Forest Ride
  Date: TBC
  Location: Kielder Forest

E: [email protected]
W: www.northeastdarkskies.co.uk