Residents in Ambleside and Grasmere are being encouraged to turn off their lights for a special event.

The 'Big Lighting Switch Off' is organised by Friends of the Lake District and is a part of their wider 'Dark Skies' project.

With Keswick also joining in this year, the event in Ambleside is set to take place on Friday, February 9 at 7:00pm.

Kay Andrews, Friends of the Lake District’s Engagement Officer, said: “Each year more businesses and people take part, and we’ve produced a ‘Dark Skies booklet’ for hoteliers to encourage their guests outside and help identify some of the major star constellations.

"A very small moon, and weather permitting, clear skies, will give us a really impressive view of thousands of stars after all the lights go off."

This will be the fourth annual Big Switch Off across Ambleside and Grasmere, showcasing what a difference using less electricity can make in terms of our view of the stars.

The scheme also aims to help the local community by reducing the amount of energy residents and businesses are using.

This will be assisted by the involvement of both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness council, who will be managing the switching off of road and street lights.

Will Clark, Westmorland and Furness Councillor for Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere said: “I am pleased to be supporting another Dark Skies event, a one night switch off that has already proved extremely popular - it is an opportunity to truly observe nature and appreciate our local surroundings without the impact of light pollution.  

"Supporting these switch offs also helps to deliver several Council priorities including net zero, biodiversity enhancement and personal wellbeing."

Other activities on the night include a Friends Member Meet about the Cumbria Dark Skies project in Ambleside Parish Centre at 5.30pm. 

After refreshments and a talk, locals can join a short walking tour from 6.45pm to observe the night sky on the special night. 

You can book your free spot on the tour here.