The Brecon Beacons celebrates a decade of darkness

13 February 2023

Powys County Council is sharing support with the Brecon Beacons National Park and joining them in celebrating their 10-year anniversary of being an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Due to low levels of light pollution, the Brecon Beacons National Park was awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status in 2013, making it one of the best places in the world to stargaze. 

To celebrate ten years of dark skies, the National Park is hoping to make the stars shine even brighter by asking everyone to join them in switch off all non-essential lights from 19:30 to 20:30 on Friday 17 February,

The Brecon Beacons was the first Welsh destination to receive International Dark Sky Reserve status and was only the fifth in the world to receive the designation. The low light pollution in the area is not only great for stargazing, but it is also vital to nocturnal wildlife and human wellbeing, by keeping all our body clocks functioning normally.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys and local Brecon councillor, said: "Living in the Brecon Beacons National Park area here in Powys is fantastic and I love exploring it with my dog. Not only is it stunning during the day, but thanks to the National Parks International Dark Sky Reserve status, we have an incredible view of the night sky too.

"As a council we will be joining in with the 10th anniversary celebrations on Friday 17 February by switching off all non-essential lights in our buildings in and around Brecon, including Y Gaer, in the centre of town.

"We would like to encourage everyone to get involved and turn off the lights for An hour from 19:30 and enjoy a spot of stargazing."

To find out more about the Brecon Beacons National Park's International Dark Sky Reserve status and how you can make the most of stargazing in the area, please visit: www.breconbeacons.org/stargazing