Astronomers flock to Kelling Heath Holiday Park for Star Party

4/7/2022

Kelling Heath Holiday Park, near Weybourne, welcomed nearly a hundred astronomers from across the country for a week of stargazing, as part of the Park’s Spring Equinox Star Party. The annual gathering enabled astronomers to bring their telescopes to view iconic constellations, planets, and stars.

Kelling Heath Holiday Park organise the Spring Event with assistance and guidance from interested astronomers dedicating two of its touring areas to the astronomers and stargazers who attended. The Park ensures it goes the extra mile during the event to create the best stargazing opportunities by using red filters on nearby lighting and facility buildings.

Kelling Heath is one of the UK’s top stargazing spots and is one of five sites in Norfolk that has been accredited with a Dark Sky Discovery status from the Dark Sky Discovery Partnerships, led by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council - meaning the seven stars of the Orion constellation and the Milky Way are visible to the naked eye on a clear night.

Michael Timewell, Director of Blue Sky Leisure, who owns Kelling Heath Holiday Park, said: “We are delighted to again host the Spring Star Party affirming that the night sky seen from the holiday park is unspoilt and spectacular. We pride ourselves on our efforts to conserve the natural environment surrounding Kelling Heath, working hard to educate guests and holiday homeowners on how they can support our commitment to dark skies.” “It’s wonderful to hear the gasps of astonishment and see the joy on the faces of youngsters when they gaze on the magnificent night sky at Kelling for the first time, we look forward to welcoming stargazers for many years to come,” Said Mr Timewell.

Kelling Heath is also recognised by the British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies for its commitment to educating guests and its work in protecting the areas dark skies, leading them to receive a Good Lighting Award in 2019.

The next stargazing event at Kelling Heath Holiday Park will be the annual Autumn Equinox Star Party on 20th – 27th September. The Park also has engaging stargazing information available for guests and Holiday Homeowners including a visual leaflet, dedicated website section and new interpretation boards at its Dark Sky Discovery Site area on Park.