Marvel at the stars in night-time party!

The Forestry Commission is offering night owls a truly glittering evening in Kielder Water & Forest Park!

A winter star party is being staged at Kielder Castle Visitor Centre in the 62,000 hectare (155,000 acre) wilderness on Saturday 12 December, when powerful telescopes will be slewed skywards to reveal fantastic celestial delights.

There will be chance to learn more about the constellations with experts from Sunderland Astronomical Society, spy man-made satellites scuttling across the sky, view star clusters and marvel at galaxies millions of light years away. But because the event is likely to prove popular you’ll need to book your place in advance on 01434 250209.

Ranger Malte Iden said:

“It can be chilly on a December night but the rewards are wonderful skies that make the stars sparkle like little diamonds. Kielder is one of the darkest places in England, making the sky a joy to behold. We’ll be taking people on a voyage of discovery to celebrate International Year of Astronomy.”

The event starts at 6pm and costs £5 adults, £3 concessions and £12 for a family of four. Dress in warm clothes and bring binoculars or a telescope if you have them. The Dukes Pantry café will be open for warm refreshments and Christmas trees on sale until 6pm.

Kielder Water & Forest Park was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

NOTES TO EDITOR
Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands.

MEDIA CONTACT
Richard Darn on 0775 367 0038 / 01226 246351.