Hundreds gather for 'star party'

Alan Marriott made his own telescope with the lens constructed out of the shell of a bass drum

Hundreds of amateur astronomers have gathered for what is thought to the the UK's largest "star party".

For 30 years, the Loughton Astronomical Society has held the stargazing event in Norfolk, with Kelling Heath Holiday Park in Holt hosting for the past 20 years.

Three fields are taken over by stargazers hoping to capture images or catch a glimpse of dark sky objects.

Event coordinator Alan Marriott said the event was a "shared experience" with people also able to learn from each other.

Mr Marriott said: "When it started way back when it was an extended weekend, as it grew over the years it's become a full week.

"There's often hundreds, maybe 300-400 but it can be up to 1,000 people or so at it's peak [during the week], but it's hard to count!"

'Different hobby'

The event began 30 years ago in Thetford but quickly outgrew the space.

Amateur astronomers of varying levels and interests come to Norfolk, some focus on capturing images of the sky while others, like Mr Marriott, are mainly visual observers.

"Years ago observatories couldn't get the kind of pictures telescopes today can. It's almost a different hobby now," he said.

The 71-year-old made his own telescope, with the head crafted out of a 24in (60.96cm) bass drum.

The Andromeda Galaxy was captured using a telescope in October 2023

There are agreed dark hours after sunset to allow for the best stargazing conditions.

"This is quite a dark site for this part of the country<" Mr Marriott added.

"It's much better than what people have to put up with in towns and cities but it still has facilities."

As well as the chance to enjoy nights under the stars, Mr Marriott said there was a community feel between the astronomers who gather.

"A lot of astronomy clubs come as a group, there's a social side," he said.

"There's a shared experience everyone goes through and learning from each other too."

He said light pollution meant many people had never seen parts of the galaxy normally visible with the naked eye.

"We know more about the Milky Way then ever before but see less of it," he said.

"But with a decent pair of binoculars you might be able to see the Milky Way. On a dark night, it's absolutely stunning, all you need is a sun lounger and some binoculars - brilliant," he added.

The event began 30 years ago in Thetford