Stars and songs family event

7 November 2025

The North Pennines National Landscape team ran a successful family friendly event as part of the 9th North Pennines Stargazing Festival. Stars and songs, was enjoyed by over 60 people and was held in conjunction with Jemma at Bowlees Farm in Teesdale.

Families enjoyed space themed craft activities, singing round the campfire, and music from Durham University Flute Choir. This event was part of the Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to the National Lottery players.

Harry Craig, Community Engagement Trainee for the North Pennines National Landscape team shared what happened at the event:

The early evening cloud cleared to reveal spectacular, starry skies over Bowlees Farm. Astronomer Andy Gray guided guests around the night sky, connecting the stars of constellations and pointing out planets. Through the telescope, it was amazing to see Saturn’s rings clearly visible. Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, spilled across the dark sky directly overhead. The faint glow of our closest neighbouring galaxy, Andromeda, reached our stargazing spot at Bowlees Farm after its long journey of 2.5 million light years.

Local singer, Tabby Michelin, from HeartSongs, led a singalong around the cosy firepit. Attendees of all ages joined in with this night-time chorus, sitting on straw bales under the stars. Everyone kept warm with hot chocolate and homemade vegetable soup, before listening to the beautiful sounds of Durham University Flute Choir. The Flute Choir’s tranquil songs echoed through the quiet of the night and created a magical atmosphere.

Whether it was the guided stargazing, sing-along, live music or space-themed arts and crafts, there was something for everyone at the stars and songs evening. Rose Cottrell, an attendee at the event, said it was “a wonderful evening full of song and starlight. There was joy on everyone’s faces as we sang songs around the fire. The Durham flute choir played a beautiful medley. Plus, I’ve never seen so many stars in my life.”

Harry said, “It was great to see so many families enjoy stars and songs, discovering more about stars, planets and the night sky. Thank you to the volunteers and everyone involved who helped make the event enjoyable for everyone who attended.”

Following on from the success of stars and songs, the North Pennines National Landscape team will be running other events. If you would like to keep up to date with what is happening in the North Pennines, then sign up to our newsletter.