Elan Valley Dark Skies Festival 2026

Elan Valley Dark Skies Festival 2026

Friday 27th March 2026 from 12:00pm to Sunday 29th March 2026 23:30pm

Stargazing festival by Elan Valley Trust

festival banner

Beneath some of the darkest, clearest skies in the UK, the Elan Valley Dark Skies Festival 2026 invites families, beginners, and curious visitors to experience the magic of an International Dark Sky Park. The valley’s protected landscape offers exceptional stargazing, where stars shine with remarkable clarity and nature comes alive after dusk.

Across the weekend, a mix of drop-in activities and ticketed events makes it easy for all ages to get involved. From guided night walks, music under the stars, and creative workshops to solar observing, planetarium shows, wildlife encounters, and friendly stargazing sessions, the programme is designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.

The festival blends science, creativity, and the natural night environment, encouraging everyone to step outside, look up, and enjoy the wonder of truly dark skies together in a supportive, beginner-friendly setting.

View the official Elan Valley Dark Skies Festival 2026 programme.

Please note that this has already taken place on 27/03/2026

Stargazing festival events map


Stargazing festival events list

  • Elan Dark Sky Festival: Starlit concert with Toby Hay and Holly Blackshaw

    Friday 27th March 2026 from 00:00am to 22:00pm

    Elan Valley - Visitor Centre, Rhayader, LD6 5HP

    More info
  • Elan Valley Dark Skies Festival 2026

    Friday 27th March 2026 from 12:00pm to Sunday 29th March 2026 23:30pm

    Elan Valley - Visitor Centre, Rhayader, LD6 5HP

    More info
  • Elan Dark Sky Festival: Nocturnal Creatures Walk

    Friday 27th March 2026 from 17:45pm to 19:00pm

    Penbont House Tearooms, Bed and Breakfast, Elan Valley, LH6 5HS

    More info
  • Elan Dark Sky Festival: Riding with Pippa Dark Skies Night Ride

    Friday 27th March 2026 from 18:30pm to 20:30pm

    Elan Valley - Visitor Centre, Rhayader, LD6 5HP

    More info
  • Elan Dark Sky Festival: Light Painting Photography

    Friday 27th March 2026 from 21:00pm to 22:00pm

    Nantgwyllt Church, Rhayader, LD6 5HE

    More info
  • Elan Dark Sky Festival – Storytelling Under the Stars

    Saturday 28th March 2026 from 00:00am to 21:45pm

    Penbont House Tearooms, Bed and Breakfast, Elan Valley, LH6 5HS

    More info
  • Mission Control: Elan Dark Skies

    Saturday 28th March 2026 from 11:00am to 17:00pm

    Elan Valley - Visitor Centre, Rhayader, LD6 5HP

    More info
  • Elan Dark Sky Festival – Lantern Making

    Saturday 28th March 2026 from 12:00pm to 13:00pm

    The Lost ARC, Rhyader, LD6 5AG

    More info
  • Elan Dark Sky Festival: Celtic Constellations Planetarium Show

    Saturday 28th March 2026 from 14:00pm to 15:00pm

    CARAD - TimeScape Rhayader, Rhayader, LD6 5ER

    More info
  • Elan Dark Sky Festival: Storytelling Under the Stars Planetarium Show

    Saturday 28th March 2026 from 14:00pm to 15:00pm

    CARAD - TimeScape Rhayader, Rhayader, LD6 5ER

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

Stay at one of these stargazing-friendly accommodation providers.

  • Elan Village

    Elan Village, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP (0.3 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Cwm Clyd Bunkhouse

    Claerwen Valley, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HF (2.7 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Lake Cottages at Cwm Chwefru

    Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3YG, Wales (5.0 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Lon Lodges

    Nantmel, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5PE, Wales (6.4 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Dolgoch Hostel

    Abergwesyn, Ceredigion, Dyfed, SY25 6NR, Wales (9.2 miles away)

    Dark Sky Discovery Site, Stay & Gaze

    More info
  • Siskin Lodge – Llandrindod Wells

    Little Hill Barn, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5NY (9.6 miles away)

    Stay & Gaze

    More info