STARGAZERS are looking forward to the 2018 Dark Skies Festival, organised by the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks.

The celebration of all things astronomical is to run from February 9 to 25 featuring more than 30 new events and locations. Dates for the diary include:

- a stargazing session with Kendal astronomer and Gazette columnist Stuart Atkinson, with tapas and mulled wine, at The Churchmouse, Barbon, on February 17

- photography sessions at Settle and Ingleton to master night-time techniques on February 16, 17 and 19

- a women’s night cycle ride from Hawes on February 11

- family events at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes, including a children's star bike trail

- and a dark sky print workshop on February 15 with Helen Payton at Broadrake, Chapel-le-Dale, near Ingleton.

The Yorkshire Dales has three locations where skies are dark enough to potentially view the Milky Way with the naked eye, at Hawes, Malham and Buckden.

Tracey Lambert, tourism officer for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "We’re delighted with this year’s programme as even more businesses have got behind the festival to showcase the myriad ways that people can enjoy the national parks after dark.”

For bookings and full details, visit www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk