StarFest↴

The first “Star Festival” hosted by Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society was held in 2001 at Adderstone Field, Dalby Forest. 
The annual event, now known as “StarFest” is well attended by both society members and visitors from other Astronomical Societies around the country, who come along each year to take advantage of Dalby’s dark skies.
 
In January 2013, Dalby Forest was awarded Milky Way class Dark Sky Discovery status by UK Dark Sky Discovery 
In 2020 the North Yorkshire Moors National Park (NYMNP), in which Dalby Forest is situated,  successfully applied for and was awarded the status as a designated International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association, one of only 21 in the world. 

We hope these accolades to attract even more amateur astronomers to our star camps in the future.

“…the Dalby forest night appears as good as “Kielder” & definitely darker than the Kelling Heath sky in Norfolk…”
Mick Phipps – StarFest regular attendee.

Event dates, further details & booking information can
be found on the StarFest 2026 page.

The main 3 night event comprises of:

• Excellent observing and imaging opportunities (weather permitting) under Milky Way class dark skies.
• Wine and nibbles welcome on Friday.
• Raffle.
• “Bring and buy” table for 2nd hand astronomy equipment sales/purchases.
• We hope to have Grovers Optics in attendance, as our regular trade stand of astronomical equipment, (attendance not always guaranteed due to scheduling conflicts).
• A programme of informative talks over the event.
• A Bottle rocket building competition with children and adult categories.
• Astronomy “pub” quiz.
• Extend your stay – Thursday early arrivals for an additional fee to make it a 4 night stay.

Above all, it is a chance to get together with like-minded people, enjoy the dark skies, and share the hobby.

Event dates, further details & booking information can
be found on the StarFest 2026 page.