The 7th Kielder Forest Star Camp took place from 14 October to 19 November--and many said it was the best yet.

Clear nights on the Friday and Saturday coincided with a packed campsite, delighting astro photographers and visual observers alike. Clear spells were also available on the Thursday night despite an unpromising forecast. Shooting stars abounded, plentiful nebulosity was seen around the Pleiades and the Milky Way arched overhead right down to the western horizon.

It was open house at the Kielder Observatory on Thursday and also Friday, with astro imaging talks being well received. The Saturday main day was well attended, with trade stands run by the Widescreen Centre, Rother Valley Optics, Astrodevelopments., Astronomica and Ian King Imaging. Due to unforeseen circumstances, both main day speakers had to be replaced at the last moment and stepping into the breech were Gary Fildes (first year of the Kielder Observatory), Mike Dickson (showing his five short-listed astro images in a UK competition) and Martin Whipp, York AS, on two years spent under southern skies. Public feedback on all the presentations was excellent. A record number of observers arrived early on the Wednesday and stayed for the duration, enjoying dry conditions until the final day.

Once again thanks go to everyone who took part, to the vendors who have backed the event to the hilt, the Forestry Commission for their continued support and to the Kielder community for their big hearted welcome. A final nod in the direction to all those behind the scenes who helped in the organisation and ensured a smooth running Star Camp.