Cranborne Chase National Landscape’s annual ‘StarFest’ event is heading to Warminster this March. This two-day event will celebrate Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve, inspiring the town’s schools and residents to look to the sky.
Taking place in Warminster Civic Centre from Wednesday 19th – Thursday 20th March, there is a range of activities designed for those with a fascination with the stars, planets and astronomy. Join in with our planetarium sessions, stargazing events and interactive workshops to discover the enjoyment of our dark skies.
Warminster primary schools have been invited to special StarFest activities, while there is also a range of free public activities taking place in the Civic Centre on Thursday 20th March for everyone to enjoy:
- Drop-in arts and craft activities: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
- Family-friendly sessions in our Pop-Up Planetarium : 3:30 – 4:15pm and 4:15-5:00pm (booking required)
- Dark Sky Rangers interactive workshops from Space Detectives: 3:30 – 4:15pm and 4:15-5:00pm (booking required)
- Stargazing Evening further afield in Kingston Deverill: 7:30 – 9:30pm (booking required)
Cranborne Chase was the first National Landscape (formerly known as AONB) in the country to be designated in its entirety as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2019. The event has been organised by Cranborne Chase National Landscape and supported by Warminster Town Council.
Steve Tonkin, Dark Sky Advisor at Cranborne Chase National Landscape says:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Warminster Council to bring StarFest to the town’s community in 2025.
The event is a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn about the night sky. Stargazing connects us to the universe, inspires and curiosity while fostering scientific endeavour, it grounds us in the beauty of nature and reminds us of the need to preserve our planet and its nocturnal ecosystems.”
Cllr Bill Parks for Warminster North and Rural Says:
“Warminster has the privilege of hosting the Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve’s Festival ‘Starfest’ event this year, offering an opportunity for the town and surrounding villages to come together and support the event through a variety of engaging and free activities.
The Starfest event emphasises the importance of maintaining the dark sky designation for benefit of future generations and to enhance the understanding among the youth.”
Warminster Town Council is delighted to host the Cranborne Chase International Dark Sky Reserve Festival StarFest event. A spokesperson said:
“This is a prestigious event to host and builds on the council’s existing support for Dark Skies and Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
“The town and community are committed to supporting the event, with various free activities held across the town including an exciting ‘Starfest’ trail, encouraging visitors to explore the town and get involved in preserving our dark skies.”
All sessions are free, but booking is essential (excluding events highlighted as ‘drop-in’.) Find out more and book here.