Llangollen plays its part in Wales Dark Sky Week 2026

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape has published the programme of events for Wales Dark Sky Week 2026, which will run from February 13 to 22.

The week-long programme includes guided stargazing, bilingual storytelling, night-time paddleboarding and Welsh language events at locations across the Clwydian Range, Moel Famau and the Llangollen Canal.

Among the events planned are stand up paddleboarding sessions under the stars at Llangollen Canal, storytelling events in woodland settings, and a Welsh language “Cawl a Chytser” evening on Moel Famau, combining stargazing with food and hot drinks.

Local astronomer Rob Jones and Menter Iaith will lead the Welsh language event, while Adverse Camber Productions will host a series of workshops exploring stars through Welsh myths, legends and modern interpretations. SUPLass Adventures will deliver the night-time paddleboarding sessions.

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape is also working with Dani Robertson, Dark Sky Officer for Eryri National Park Authority, to present on the work of the NOS Gogledd Partnership and efforts to protect dark skies across North Wales.

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is leading a national, all-Wales Dark Skies project on behalf of the country’s eight designated landscapes.

The project is funded through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places programme and focuses on reducing light pollution through lighting upgrades and retrofitting schemes.

Andrew Bissell, partner at Ridge and Partners LLP, said: “We are excited to be working on the pan Wales Dark Skies project covering all eight designated landscapes of Wales, the ambition of the project is inspirational, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of the changes.”

Dani Robertson, Prosiect NOS Dark Sky Officer, said: “Together, the Designated Landscapes of Wales are all working hard to raise awareness of light pollution and how this impacts not just our view to the stars, but also our wildlife and health. We would love for you to join us on our journey around Wales’s protected landscapes to learn more about the work that is going on there to protect our Dark Skies and what you could do to help.”