Northumberland stargazing attractions Ad Gefrin and Kielder join forces to offer Anglo-Saxon experience

Two Northumberland tourist attractions are set to unite to offer Anglo-Saxon style stargazing. Kielder Observatory and Ad Gefrin have joined forces with the aim of creating a unique visitor experience exploring the links between astronomy and the North East in the Anglo-Saxon era.

Starcraft, which will take place at the Observatory, explores the work of scholars such as the Venerable Bede, a pivotal local figure who viewed the observation of the sky as a vital tool to measure the passage of time and correctly predict important dates, such as Easter. His work helped shape the way we measure time and organise our calendars, influencing systems which are still in use today.

Leigh Venus, CEO at Kielder Observatory, said: "The so-called Dark Ages were anything but dark. The Anglo-Saxon period saw the finest minds of the time develop a detailed understanding of the night sky and how to predict astronomical phenomena.

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"We’re excited to partner with Ad Gefrin, bringing our guests together with warm fires and whisky under the beautiful Northumbrian skies to explore this fascinating history."

During the evening, Kielder Observatory's Team will guide visitors through the observatory and offer the opportunity to explore the region's dark skies and discover the celestial objects that have shaped our understanding of the universe. A whisky expert from Ad Gefrin will be on hand to provide a guided tasting of its signature spirits, after the distillery opened to the public last year.

Dr Chris Ferguson, director of experience at Ad Gefrin, said: "Understanding the natural landscape, and the stars, is as important now as it was to our Anglo-Saxon ancestors. At Ad Gefrin we rely on the Venerable Bede as a historian to meet the characters of the Royal Northumbrian palaces 1400 years ago.

"We're delighted to partner with Kielder Observatory to explore how Bede also studied and interpreted the night sky, as well as celebrate the best of Northumbria, our expansive dark skies, and all with a taster of Northumbrian spirits."

Starcraft will take place on December 6 at Kielder Observatory.