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York St John University to host free-to-attend The Dark Matters event

York St John University is set to host an event to explore how the city can become more dark sky friendly, and combat the issue of light pollution. The free event, called The Dark Matters, will take place at the university's Creative Centre on Tuesday, March 4. It will bring together dark sky experts, academics, and artists for an evening of discussion, reflections, and film. The event is part of the North York Moors National Park's tenth anniversary Dark Sky Festival celebrations. According to a spokesperson, "The Dark Matters will challenge attendees to rethink the way we use light, highlighting the urgent need for action against excessive artificial light, which negatively impacts wildlife, human health, and the environment." The Dark Matters' campaign for more responsible use of artificial lighting is informed by a number of concerns, such as that of avoiding energy wastage and excessive emissions. It was also claimed, by a spokesperson, that "well-designed, warm-toned lighting not only enhances safety but also reduces crime"; other mentioned benefits of responsible lighting included safeguarding moths (which pollinate "a third of all plants," and are said to be vulnerable to artificial light), and reducing the incidence of hedgehogs wandering onto roads. The event's expert panel will discuss how "we can all contribute to creating better environments in both urban and natural settings." The discussion will be chaired by Dr Jen Hall, associate professor of tourism and events at York St John University, whose research looks at how public engagement with dark sky festivals supports conservation goals. Other panellists include Mike Hawtin, head of nature recovery at North York Moors National Park; Richard Darn, dark skies consultant, astronomer, and activist; Dr Claire Hind, professor of contemporary theatre at York St John University; Sarah Williams, energy and environmental projects officer at York St John University; and Dr Brendan Paddison, associate professor and interim dean at York Business School, York St John University. Attendees will also have the chance to view The Dark Matters film, which captures the research and findings of Dr Hall and Dr Paddison. Dr Hall said: "Yorkshire is a hub of Dark Skies activity, with fantastic efforts to reduce light pollution. "More than a third of Yorkshire's land area is under some form of dark sky designation, with a handful of villages now included too. "But as yet the UK has no Dark Sky city. "We believe York has the potential, knowledge, and impetus to be the first. "By coming together, we can protect our night skies for future generations and make York a model for responsible lighting in cities across the UK." Bookings for The Dark Matters can be made at