THE Dark Skies Festival has kicked off all over the UK – and the stargazing event is completely free.
The National Parks are official dark sky locations but also have activities like nighttime canoeing and trail running.
Now in it’s tenth year, the Dark Skies Festival have prepared lots of fun activities in or around the parks for the best ways to see the stars across Britain.
Stargazing in each location is free, as are lots of other events like the planet trail, where children can learn more about the solar system and skies.
Running until the end of March, there will be lots of extra events too from guided runs and walks to canoeing, astrophotography, art workshops, and mindfulness experiences – all held at nighttime.
For these, you will need to book tickets in advance and pay up to £45.
The North York Moors are one of 21 locations to be recognised for their dark skies and are even an International Dark Sky Reserve.
They will hold guided stargazing sessions in Dalby Forest, Ampleforth Abbey, Sutton Bank and ghost walks to hear more about the strange and supernatural in Robin Hood’s Bay.
How Stean Gorge in the Yorkshire Dales will hold a series of events to blend astronomy with activities including nighttime canoeing or the Ferrata High Wire course priced at £39.
Another event, held at sunrise, will include yoga and meditation while learning more about the solar system.
The Yorkshire events run until 30 March 2025 and kick off again in October.
The Grand hotel in York is even offering stargazing packages for anyone visiting the city for the festival.
You’ll be welcomed by astronomer Richard Darn and spend an evening at the Star Hub in the Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
The South Downs are running their own events, from a “walk the planets” audio trail in Seven Sisters Country Park to a walk through Alice Holt Forest for stargazing, owl encounters, and VR headset activities.
Three National Parks in Wales – Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog, and Pembrokeshire Coast – will be holding Dark Skies Festival events.
There will also be lots happening in Anglesey, Pen Llŷn, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Gower, and the Wye Valley, including pop-up planetarium shows.
If you miss out on February’s events, there will be more later in the year. Exmoor holds its Dark Skies Festival through October and November.
They hold yoga sessions after dark, wildlife walks, and astronomy talks from experts.
Cumbria also holds its events later in the year, celebrating with canoeing on Coniston Water, starlit swims in Ullswater, and bushcraft cooking after dark.
Here’s an island in the UK that is said to be one of the best stargazing spots in the world.
This offer in March means you can visit huge attractions for a fraction of the price
For fun on a budget this March you can explore huge exhibits across the UK for as little as 25p.
The National Lottery are launching their open week between 15 and 23 March where you can get into the likes of the Eden Project, National Trust properties and gardens,and The Crich Tramway Village for the price of a Lottery ticket.
If you play the Prize Ball Red Instant Win game, this will cost you 25p – and all you have to do for most of the attractions is show a ticket at the entrance!
Check the full list of participating locations on The National Lottery website.
And we’ve rounded up six other ways to explore the night sky.
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A 64-YEAR-OLD grandmother has revealed that she loves flaunting her muscles in bikinis and even has teenage boys constantly sliding into her DMs.
But the content creator, who has 145,000 followers on Instagram, is dividing opinions in her family over her racy fitness photos.
Whilst Lesley Maxwell’s granddaughter Tia, 19, loves her glamorous look, her daughter, Vanessa, 42, is not quite on the same page and has told her to ‘tone it down’.
But the model and fitness coach, who is from Melbourne, Australia, isn’t afraid to show off her toned figure in ‘skimpy clothes’, despite what people think.
Talking to Truly, on an episode of Hooked On The Look, Lesley’s granddaughter Tia said: “She’s 64, I think she dresses more like a 30-year-old.
“My grandmother is so close to me, she feels like she’s my age half the time.
“Because she looks amazing for her age, she does get a lot of attention.”
Lesley recognised that she often has youngsters in her DMs and Instagram comments, as she explained: “The guys are from 18, which is really funny. Sometimes they’re really naughty. I’ll take everything as a compliment.
“I can’t cover it up and if I want to show it then I’ll show it.
“I’m into fitness and I’m always in the gym in skimpy clothes.
“Also I compete so you’re used to being on the stage in teeny bikinis and I have no problems in sharing that. I’m not shy about my body.
“I don’t like wearing clothes that are designed for a certain age, I think then we become ageist and people expect that they need to look or feel a certain way.”
But whilst Tia is all on board with Lesley’s social media posting, her daughter Vanessa, has her reservations: “I think she promotes health and fitness really well. There’s a few bikini photos.
“I’ll go on my Instagram and I’ll see what she’s posted and call her and be like ‘mum, delete it, get it off’.
If I want to show it then I’ll show it. I’m always in the gym in skimpy clothes
Lesley Maxwell
“If your mum was posting in her lingerie, tell me how you would feel. I think when it’s your mum it’s different. Tone it down a little bit.”
But to this, Lesley claimed: “I can’t cover it up. And if I want to show it then I can show it.
LONDON -based Gabriela Peacock, who has helped the likes of Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie prepare for their weddings.
She told Fabulous: “The science is evident that we all have the power to make simple life changing alterations to better our future selves – no matter what genetic hand we might have been dealt with.
“The reality is, we all sometimes indulge in unhealthy eating habits like processed foods, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, inhaling city pollutants, and even drinking water from plastic bottles – none of this is good for us.
“All this does is promote the ageing process, but we all have the potential to change this.”
It may be hard, but try to keep away from sugary carbohydrates, because they feed chronic inflammation, which is one of the worst enemies of reversing ageing.
Now only will you end up putting on weight if you consume them regularly, but your energy and hormonal levels will be affected and this will influence how you look and feel.
Whatever your age or state of health, it’s never too late to reverse how quickly you are ageing and embrace the energy and vigour of a younger you.
Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, are essential in neutralising free radicals—the culprits behind premature ageing.
Integrating a spectrum of colourful fruits and vegetables into your diet provides a potent source of antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, are vital for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration.
Omega-3s act as nourishment for your skin, locking in moisture and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen, a structural protein dwindling with age, can be replenished through collagen-rich foods like bone broth and lean protein sources.
“Why be old and sick if you don’t have to be? Why not feel on top of the world?”
YouTube users were left stunned by Lesley’s good looks and many were eager to compliment the ageless beauty in the comments.
One person said: “She looks great! Wow! And even her hair looks healthy.”
Another added: “What an ICON. She looks so young for her age and so fit.”
A third commented: “Lovely physique. You look so good gran.”
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DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a “effortlessly fresh” new jumper perfect for spring – and it costs just €25.
The Savida Cropped Crew Neck Jumper is available online and in shops now.
It comes at the perfect time as shoppers are looking for the perfect spring pieces.
It can be difficult to dress for the in-between weather seen at this time of year, but this layer is ideal for it.
The new jumper costs just €25 and can be snapped up in sizes XXS up to XXL.
And luckily for fans of the look, all sizes are still available online.
The cream jumper has long sleeves and a round neck as well as cuffs at the bottom and on the sleeves.
Fashion bosses called the look “classic”.
Designers said: “Brighten up your wardrobe with this cropped jumper from Savida.
“Crafted with a classic crew neck and thick ribbed trims, it’s perfect for layering and pairing with high-waisted denim or a pleated midi for an effortlessly fresh look.
“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
Dunnes Stores bosses paired the item with wide leg light denim jeans and some leopard print shoes for a statement look.
Meanwhile, fashion fans have been in a frenzy over another cosy jumper ideal for spring time.
The Savida V-neck Jumper is available online and in shops around the country now.
It can be worn on its own or as a layer under or over another piece.
The red jumper costs just €25 and comes in sizes XXS up to XXL.
And luckily for fans of the piece, all sizes are still up for grabs online.
The bright jumper features wide cuffs and a V neck shape and is a loose flowing shape.
Dunnes Stores chose to pair it with some dark denim jeans and gold jewellery.
Retailers called the look “effortless”.
An official description of the item reads: “From Savida, this jumper features a soft v-neckline and ribbed trims, offering a relaxed yet stylish layer for everyday wear.
“Its easygoing fit works well over shirts or styled solo, making it a go-to piece for effortless dressing.
“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
RONAN O’GARA believes Jack Crowley was “as good as I’ve seen him” for Ireland or Munster during the Six Nations win over England.
The 24-year-old came off the bench for Sam Prendergast as Simon Easterby’s men began their Championship defence with a 27-22 win at the Aviva Stadium.
In the latest chapter of the pair’s battle for the No10 jersey, Crowley impressed enough to be named on the Team of the Round by Midi Olympique.
He was one of three Ireland men named – alongside James Lowe and Dan Sheehan, who came off the bench to score the fourth try.
For Ronan O’Gara, the Munster starlet’s response to being benched for Prendergast showed he “has balls”.
Speaking to Off The Ball Breakfast, O’Gara commented: “He had a big game. He had a huge game.
“As good as I’ve seen him in a red or a green jersey and I just thougyht he was decisive. As a ten that does wonders and it spreads to every one else.
“He had conceded his position and maybe I was probably a bit blunt on that on the show last week on the fact that he has got to accept being the No2 now.
“To do that under pressure is a huge sign of mental strength but also shows that the kid has balls.
“He wants this and he is going to fight for it because I thought he looked shapor, he looked fast, he looked strong, he looked powerful.
“His kicking was good.
“There was just this aura about him where that is the Jack Crowley that I tried to sign a few years ago.”
The debate concerning who should start at out-half against Scotland is sure to rage on for days to come.
However, Sam Prendergast himself believes that the rivalry between the two has made for “healthy competition”.
Prendergast said: “I think it’s quite healthy competition. Jack is a great lad and player. I’ve seen how well he’s played.”
Fans have likened the battle for the Ireland No 10 jersey to Ronan O’Gara’s fight with Johnny Sexton in the 2010s.
But Prendergast insists there are no issues between him and Crowley.
The Leinster hotshot explained: “I think we both work together, as much as people want to think we hate each other. We just work together.
“He’s playing very well and played very well when he came on against England.”
Prendergast started and had some good moments, including a mammoth kick to give Ireland the lead.
However, he missed two conversions. Crowley was introduced and added the extras twice as Ireland’s replacements finished off the game.
But interim head coach Simon Easterby praised Prendergast for his Six Nations debut display.
Easterby said: “He did a lot of really good things out there and there are things he’ll feel he can improve on.”
LOVE Island All Stars couple Olivia Hawkins and Marcel Somerville have split just days after leaving the villa.
Despite leaving the show arm in arm The Sun can exclusively reveal the pair have called it quits as “things just weren’t working out”.
Now, friends tell The Sun it’s “no longer romantic” between Marcel and Liv and the pair felt “it was better to end things as friends”.
Speaking to The Sun, a source revealed: “Olivia and Marcel ended things a few days ago.
“Things just weren’t working out, outside the villa, and it was better to end things as friends rather than force anything.
“They really are good mates though – they speak all the time and have a lot of respect for each other, but it’s no longer romantic.”
In a shock double dumping, Olivia and Marcel were eliminated from the show after the public was tasked with voting for their least compatible couple.
Despite showing signs of early promise, the pair’s romantic connection failed to win over viewers – even though the pair shared a very sweet recoupling speech earlier that week.
After being told they were dumped from the villa, Liv called Marcel “the cutest” and they said they were glad to be leaving together.
It seems the couple’s relationship was already heading downhill when the reality beauty appeared on the Sisters In The City Podcast.
Hosted by former islander Anna Vakili and her sister Mandi, Olivia kept things vague about her connection with Marcel.
On the pod, Olivia was asked if she was ‘closed off’ with Marcel, to which she replied: “No definitely not closed off.
“You know what, it’s like when you come out of the villa there’s so much pressure on you and we’re not together, we’re still getting to know each other.”
“We were only coupled up for a week – it’s very early days.”
“He’s officially still married, he’s still going through a divorce, so obviously the situation in Love Island was … you don’t think about that, but when you come out you have to think about the logistics of things,” she continued.
She was then asked whether she had a passionate ‘fire in her belly’ when it came to Marcel, something she admitted she previously had with fellow Islander Luca Bish.
She responded with a mischievous smile, later adding: “I mean it could grow.”
Host Mandi chimed: “No, it’s not there,” to which they all laughed.
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