A national park's Dark Sky Festival is returning next weekend for the third year running.

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly known as the Brecon Beacons, will host the annual event on Saturday, September 21 at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus.

The festival will include a range of activities, including solar gazing sessions and stargazing through powerful telescopes.

There will also be starry storytelling sessions, bringing the myths and legends of the stars to life.

The outdoor planetarium will host immersive educational shows for all the family.

Carol Williams, sustainable tourism officer, said: "We are so excited to be organising our third annual Dark Sky Festival in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

"This event not only highlights our commitment to preserving the beauty of the night sky but also provides an educational and awe-inspiring experience for all ages."

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The festival will feature various all-day events, including free solar gazing with Cardiff and Bridgend Astronomical Society, a hedgehog helpline, performances by The Uskelele Band, and exhibitions by Carmarthen Cameras and MSG-Meteorites.

There will also be a chance to learn about the myths and legends of the night sky, where attendees can learn to recognise constellations and the stories behind them.

Visitors can also attend a 360° planetarium show, where they can "land on the surface of Venus" and "chase the moons of mighty Jupiter".

READ MORE: Brecon Beacons one of world's best stargazing spots

Phill Wallace, from Cardiff Astronomical Society, will also be hosting a discussion on conspiracy theories, exploring their origins, persistence, and potential dangers.

Award-winning storyteller and writer, Daniel Morden, will return to the festival to share traditional stories of the sun, moon, and stars.

Some of the activities do come with a cost. 

County Times:

The festival encourages attendees to bring warm clothing and a sense of wonder as they gather under the national park's star-studded canopy.

The Dark Sky Festival aims to be an unforgettable celebration of nature's mesmerising light show.

The Bannau Brycheiniog Dark Sky Festival, open to all, is set to take place on Saturday, September 21.

For more information, including event details and ticketing information, visit breconbeacons.org/stargazing.

The national park was awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status in 2013.

This means that the park is recognised as one of the best places in the world to stargaze, and that the skies above the park are protected from light pollution.