Stargazing for beginners at Kielder Camp Site. An informal two night event where, weather permitting, you can observe the stars. Friday 17th & 18th October 2025. Booking is essential via our events page booking system [Link below]. 

Please ensure you add the astronomers fee to your booking. Without it, your booking is not valid.

Click here to book for the Peoples Star Party

Prices for your booking is dependant on the pitch or style of accommodation booked.

To avoid disrupting the event, please arrive no later than 7.00pm. It takes longer than you think to get here, please plan ahead, leave work early. Friday's are notoriously busy with traffic.

Our weekend itinerary

Friday: 7.00pm at the warm room on Kielder Campsite.

Welcome “Meet and Greet” with your hosting astronomers in the car park next to the warm room.

Stargazing if clear - from 8 until midnight.

Saturday

Solar observing during the day given blue skies.

With many thanks to the Staff and Management of Kielder Observatory we have been able to secure an informal visit to Kielder Observatory on Saturday afternoon. The visit consists of an informal chat of no more than 20 mins explaining the role and achievements of Kielder Observatory. You will be able to explore the observatory where staff will be able to explain the in's and outs if required. I'm sure that if you have any questions, the staff will be able to answer.

The Observatory is short drive from the site, an hours walk and a 30-45 min cycle ride [Uphill]. Transport will not be provided and timings will be posted on arrival to the Star Party event. Numbers are limited so persons interested in attending will need to inform staff when booking or on arrival. Thank you.

7-12 midnight Stargazing if clear.

We are looking forward to meeting everyone at this popular sparkling event. We'll have plenty of equipment on hand, but please do bring along your own binoculars or telescope if you have them. Remember to bring a torch - one that can switch to red light is much better for astronomy as it's kinder on night vision. One like this is fine:

www.wilko.com/en-uk/energizer-vision-hd-headlight-4-light-mode/p/0440861

Staying warm is important so remember to dress in layers. We also have the warm room open 24/7. Don't forget to bring sturdy footwear. If you want to take a picture of the night sky and you have a camera, we'll try to help you.

The astronomers for our event are:

Richard Darn, Rob Ince, Stuart Atkinson

They will be camping alongside you.

Clear skies!

How about visiting the "Go Stargazing" website for other events?

We have been extremely fortunate to work with our experienced astronomers Richard Darn, Rob Ince and Stuart Atkinson. Who will once again be inviting the new, the old and the bold stargazers to experience Kielder's magnificent starry sky. See galaxies millions of light years away, gaze at the Milky Way, spot shooting stars and find out how to use telescopes. Viewing both nights when the sky clears, with  colourful free talks and solar observing. We will provide telescopes and expert guidance, feel free to bring your own equipment too or cameras with a tripod. Remember to use red lights if possible rather than white torches so we maintain our night vision and enjoy the heavens above. For more information on Richard and Rob, night-sky podcasts and calendar of astro events check out:

http://darkskiesuk.org/

On top of all this there will be practical sessions on astro-photography for beginners.

Orion in the Kielder Sky. Photo, kind permission: Stu Atkinson Kielder Star Camp October 18.

If you are wishing to attend we have some advice gleaned from our previous events:

We request visitors plan to arrive no later than 7.00 pm. If practical, can you take time off work to ensure this time frame?  The event starts at this time and will be disrupted by vehicle movement and lights.

This is not a Kielder Observatory event. This is an independently run weekend at Kielder Campsite by visiting astronomers. However, participants do have an opportunity to visit and speak to staff of the renowned visitors attraction on the Saturday. Spaces are limited, booking is essential!

If you wish to attend the Peoples Star Party be aware it is a two day event and payment is in full using our booking system. [Terms and conditions apply]

Pitching fee for your selected accommodation. [Prices and availability found on our booking page]

Each booking incurs an astronomers fee of £20.00 per adult. £15.00 per child. 5-16 years old.

The event tends to start at approximately 7.00pm on the Friday with a brief intro from the event organisers, Richard and Rob. As previously mentioned, this is an event for the young, old, bold and novice. Feel free to ask questions throughout the event and dip in and out of the observing. No need to stay and gaze all the time.

The day time is your time; explore the local area or just relax. Weather permitting there will be solar observing.

Any further questions or info be sure to e-mail the campsite. E-mail can be found on our homepage.

• Be aware, that due to important Observatory commitments, we would need to cancel the event at short notice. This is something no-one can foresee. Please put a 'plan B' into any itinerary. Thank you. 
• Cancellation of the Saturday Observatory bonus section to the event will not detract from the main purpose of our People's Star Party and is not a reason to cancel expecting a refund.