Dark Skies – The Big Switch Off, Keswick
Cumberland Council is pleased to announce its support in ‘The Big Switch Off’ event on Thursday 8 February, in Keswick.
This collaborative initiative, led by Friends of the Lake District, the National Trust, and Keswick Tourism Association, aims to showcase the beauty of the night sky while promoting electricity conservation.
The Big Switch Off will commence from 7pm until approximately midnight. Cumberland Council, along with partners are encouraging Keswick’s residents and businesses to join in by turning off their lights overnight, providing an opportunity to appreciate the impact on stargazing.
The Milky Way and Orion from Todd Crag, by Jonny Gios
Approximately 60 lights in the areas of Lake Road, Hope Park, Crow Park, The Headlands, and Lake Road car park will be switched off during the event.
The Big Switch Off will affect residents of The Heads, The Headlands and Elliot Park, and users of Lake Road car park. For any enquiries, please contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 or visit the Cumberland Council website.
Cumberland Council oversees 50 road and footway lights, and ten car park lights in the designated switch off area. The remaining lighting falls under private ownership or is managed by Keswick Town Council, whose owners will be responsible for the switch-off.
Cllr Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“This Big Switch Off event, aims to raise awareness about the advantages of preserving dark skies for people’s enjoyment, health, and well-being. It contributes to the flourishing of wildlife and addresses climate change by reducing energy consumption, while boosting visitor footfall over the winter months.
“The event is being supported by numerous partners, and will be complemented by other activities, including astro-photography sessions and wildlife walks in Crow Park.
“We hope for widespread support from the local community and businesses and want to encourage everyone to turn off their lights on Thursday 8 February, in Keswick.”
For more information, please visit the Dark Skies Cumbria website.
To learn more about what’s happening follow Cumbria Guide on our social media
