Astrofair 2026 will take place on Saturday 27th June
South West Astronomy Fair
The Norman Lockyer Observatory
Sidmouth, Devon
Saturday 27th June 2026
You can see a local press report of the 2024 event from the Sidmouth Herald: https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/24425018.sidmouth-astrofair-event-offered-something-ages/
The information below is from last year’s event, we will update this page with details of the 2026 Astrofair when they become available.
Activities at the event:
– Free tours with talks of the Historical Telescope Domes
– Free Access to The Planetarium Shows
– Free programme of Events and Talks by the NLO Groups
– Live Solar Observing (weather permitting)
– Displays from Astronomy Societies, Mission Astro, Institute of Physics
– Trade Marquee with Exhibitors: Widescreen Centre, First Light Optics, Bresser, MSG Meteorites, Society for Popular Astronomy
– A raffle with a variety of prizes for astronomers or space enthusiasts.
– Lockyer Technology Centre – meteor and solar flare detection
– More activities currently being planned
The Guest speakers will give interesting talks on a topical area within current astronomy and will include visual presentations. These will be held in the main Lecture Theatre. Due to demand, tickets can be purchased in advance; the cost is additional to the event entrance fee.
Speakers
Our speakers for 2026 are below. These presentations are additional to the entrance fee. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day if space is available.
| Time | Subject | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 | Stardust Embodied: Finding the Universe in your own anatomy | Mark Westmoquette https://markwestmoquette.co.uk/ |
| 13:00 | Between Earth and Stars | Abby Moule https://www.astroabbyphotography.co.uk/ |
| 14:30 | The Terra Hunting Experiment’s search for Earth-mass planets: how and why? | Prof. Tim Naylor |
16:15 | Great Auroral Events | Prof. Mike Lockwood |
Food and drink is available to buy on the day.
Entrance fee: Adults £15, Children free with adult.
Lecture Tickets £5
All enquiries Email to – astrofair@normanlockyer.com
If you would like to book a trade stand the please fill in this form and send it to astrofair@normanlockyer.com
If you would like to become a member of the Norman Lockyer Society click here: Joining the NLO