Festival shoots for the stars

Costumed performers represent Mars, the red planet

A festival celebrating the magic of Norfolk's night skies is being launched on Friday to bring attention to the growing problem of light pollution.

Campaigners from groups like the Council for the Protection of Rural England say the natural deep sky at night may soon be obscured by a man-made orange glow, making it difficult to spot the stars.

So a Norwich community has organised 10 days of events - the Celestial Festival - aimed at spotlighting the issue.

Heidi Hadley, of the South Norfolk Council, said: "What we're hoping to do is to inspire people to look up and switch off their lights.

"We would like to bring some visitors into the area at half-term as well."

A map by the CPRE shows areas of light pollution in England

Local schoolchildren have been gearing up for the festival, which includes a carnival and musical performance, for 10 weeks.

David Hook, a music teacher at Loddon Middle School, said the pupils composed a piece of music, titled "Jupiter", by themselves.

Students at Hobart High School created colourful costumes for the events.