Lake District launches Big Switch Off event in hope of revealing thousands of stars

Communities around Cumbria’s Lake District have announced they will be taking part in a Big Switch Off to reveal thousands of stars in the night sky.

The Dark Skies event will not only save energy, but will also make a difference to the amount of stars visible to people looking up at the night sky.

Friends of the Lake District’s Dark Skies project is coordinating another Big Lighting Switch Off later this week to see what a difference it makes to our view of the stars.

Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere will coordinate a switching-off of lights in the hope that less light pollution will reveal a sky full of the twinkling astronomical objects that make up our celestial map.

The event will run over two consecutive nights with Keswick switching off lights on Thursday, February 8th and Ambleside and Grasmere switching off on Friday, February 9th.

At 7pm on both evenings street lights in the areas taking part will be turned off, as well as lights at local businesses and at the homes of local residents.

Friends of the Lake District’s Engagement Officer Kay Andrews, said: “A very small moon, and weather permitting, clear skies, will give us a really impressive view of thousands of stars after all the lights go off. 

“Each year more businesses and people take part, and we’ve produced a ‘Dark Skies booklet’ for hoteliers to encourage their guests outside and help identify some of the major star constellations.”

Professional photographer Chris, says photographing the night sky is ‘always more rewarding in a dark area’ as light pollution makes it much ‘harder to capture the stars in any number’.

It will be the first time Keswick has taken part in the switch-off event, which aims to showcase the beauty of the night sky while promoting electricity conservation.

Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said: “This Big Switch Off event, aims to raise awareness about the advantages of preserving dark skies for people’s enjoyment, health, and well-being.

“It contributes to the flourishing of wildlife and addresses climate change by reducing energy consumption, while boosting visitor footfall over the winter months.

“The event is being supported by numerous partners, and will be complemented by other activities, including astro-photography sessions and wildlife walks in Crow Park.

“We hope for widespread support from the local community and businesses and want to encourage everyone to turn off their lights on Thursday 8 February, in Keswick.”

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