By Kate Hodges
06th February 2020
EVENT and DO Star Bright
The South Downs Dark Skies Festival makes full use of the clear dark nights, which are just perfect for stargazing. Held across the South Downs National Park, a series of night-time events include moon gazing parties, star-spotting walks, planetarium shows and even an opportunity to take part in a special Dark Skies pod flight on the i360. Find the full line-up of free events here – most free, some ticketed and more about stargazing on the reserve here. If you can’t make the festival, find a dark place to stargaze near you here and read our stargazing tips here.
EVENT Shine On
In contrast to the dark skies of the south, this weekend, Nottingham shines during Light Night (actually two days – Friday and Saturday). Follow a trail around the city following pieces that this year are themed around Life on Earth (download a free map here. Don’t miss the parades, the sculptures, and breathtaking live performances. This year, a free app on your phone will bring the pieces to life – download it before you head out.
DO, MAKE Spring is Coming
Our snowdrops are out, and they’re beautiful. Why not go for a walk amongst drifts of these first signs of Spring? Find a garden full of them near you here or here or discover more about them at Scotland’s snowdrop festival, held at venues across the country. Or create your own permanent displays indoors – will you go for tissue paper or origami versions?
EVENT Young Minds
This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, and with one young person in four with mental health issues rejected by the NHS and mental health support bought in by schools doubling in three years, it’s needed now more than ever. Set up by mental health charity Place2Be, this year’s event is themed Find Your Brave and is supported by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes and is different for everyone; it can be about asking for help, trying something new or pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Encourage your child’s school to take part with assembly guides and class activities, find tips and resources for parents and carers and get involved in spreading the word here.
EVENT Animal Magic
Find out more about the relationship between humans and nature, the effect of climate change and the web of relationships between species at the spectacular Animalesque/Art Across Species and Beings exhibition at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. Thrill to Allora & Calzadilla’s gigantic hippos, sprawled under humans, Pierre Huyghe’s haunting masked animal figures and more thought-provoking videos, drawings, sculptures and sound installations. While you’re in the building, don’t miss the kid-friendly, interactive Play Rebellion installation by Pippa Hale.
What we’ve been reading this week:
The Green Parent Family Holiday Guide
“We’ve rounded up some of the greenest places to stay and exciting things to do with your family when you arrive…” Read on here
