Galloway’s Dark Sky Park offer revellers delight

How about a trip to Galloway’s Dark Sky Park for some Sanctuary?

That’s the name of a special arts event taking place this month deep in the renowned forest, where there will be experiments with sound, light and space.

For 24 hours, a site-specific radio station The Dark Outside FM will play previously unheard music from artists based around the world. The sound files will be destroyed afterwards.

There will also be light installations, including Robbie Coleman’s dramatic 100ft neon light sculpture called Enclosure, and the Dark Skies Lounge will host what is described as explorations of the paranormal and strange psychic phenomenon.

The unique event takes place around Murray’s Monument on September 27 and 28. Hundreds of art and music enthusiasts are expected to come from far and wide to spend the night in the forest and take part.

Artist Robbie said: “The Dark Sky Park is an incredible place to spend the night, looking at the stars and listening to music that’s never been heard before. It’s an exciting place to create experimental work.”

Keith Muir, head of tourism for Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park, said: “How often do you get a good reason to take a drive to the countryside in total darkness and listen to music?

“The visitors who come to be part of an event or see the art works all contribute to making the south west of Scotland the premier destination for environmental art, which further enhances the new Unesco Biosphere status in the area.”

Jan Hogarth, from arts group Wide Open, said: “This is one of the most exciting art collaborations to happen in the landscape of Scotland this year.

“There will be amazing music that no one else will ever hear, most of it composed for this event, a dramatic light installation and the chance to enter the world of the paranormal. And all taking place in a remote forest in the Dark Sky Park in Galloway.”

Food and refreshments by the famous Moniaive Green Tea House will also be available.