Dark Skies Day
Thursday 28 August 2025
Celebrate the wonders of the Pembrokeshire Night Sky with a day of dark sky events at Oriel y Parc.
Phantoms of the Sea – storytelling with Bron Jones in the Tower
11am – 11.30am & 1.30pm – 2pm
Free
Booking essential
In the summer months as the sun sets, the mystical Manx shearwaters return to the Pembrokeshire Islands under cover of darkness to feed their young chicks in burrows underground. Visitors to these islands at night will hear the ghostly calls as the parent birds swoop in stealthily to greet their hungry chick waiting patiently for their return. These elusive seabirds are one of Pembrokeshire’s best kept hidden secrets.
Join artist and storyteller Bron Jones in the Tower and listen to her shearwater story and why these special seabirds really are ‘Phantoms of the Sea’.
Recommended age 5+. Children to be accompanied by an adult.
Click here to book your place.
Manx Shearwaters of the Pembrokeshire Islands – Talk by Greg Morgan
11.30am – 12.15pm
£4 per person
Booking essential
Greg Morgan is the Site Manager of RSPB Ramsey and Grassholm islands which lie just off the St David’s peninsula. He has also worked on the islands of Skomer and Skokholm and brings a wealth of experience working on the Pembrokeshire Islands, summer home to the world’s largest population of Manx Shearwaters.
Join us for a talk about this fascinating, long-lived seabird, why dark sies are essential for their survival and what challenges they face in the future. Discover why many believe the Manx Shearwater could be the ‘National Bird of Wales’.
Click here to book your place.
The Pembrokeshire Night Sky – A Sky Full of Stars with Preseli Astronomy Group
2pm – 2.45pm
£4 per person
Booking essential
Preseli Astronomy Group host a talk on viewing the sky as it appears over Pembrokeshire. Find out more about constellations, stars and galaxies and in particular what is visible at this time of year. This talk is suitable for those looking for an introduction to stargazing.
Members of the group will be on hand during the day and will be happy to answer questions about the night sky.
Click here to book your place.
Viewing the Night Sky – Binoculars and Beyond with Preseli Astronomy Group
3.30pm – 4.15pm
£4 per person
Booking essential
Preseli Astronomy Group host a talk with a focus on optical aids available to see clearer and further into the night sky. Binoculars, optical telescopes and imaging telescopes all have a place in enhancing the stargazing experience.
Members of the group will be on hand during the day and will be happy to answer questions about optical telescopes and photography.
Click here to book your place.
Brilliant Bats in St Davids (Sold Out)
7.45pm – 9.45pm
£7 person
Booking essential
As darkness falls, find out what is emerging from the nooks and crannies around St Davids Cathedral. Join our local Ranger with bat detectors in hand and discover more about these elusive nocturnal creatures.
Meet at Oriel y Parc Visitor Centre (SA62 6NW). Please wear warm clothing and walking boots/shoes. No dogs on this walk. Tickets are non-refundable.
This is an English language event.
