Under One Sky Festival

19 DECEMBER 2026 · NICOSIA

Look up.Come together.

One island. A shared sky. A night worth protecting.

Under One Sky Festival brings astronomy, nature and connection to Ledra Palace. Discover what light pollution means for Cyprus, and what a darker sky can give back.

Ledra Palace, Nicosia

Move across the sky. Bring the stars back.

A shared sky. An open invitation.

01 / THE IDEA

Different stories.The same stars.

Under One Sky Festival. Three people sitting together beneath a star-filled silhouette of Cyprus and the Gemini constellation. FESTIVAL
One sky, shared by all of us

Some things are bigger than the lines that separate us.

Under One Sky Festival is a youth-led, intercommunal celebration bringing people from across Cyprus together through astronomy, science and our shared night sky.

Light pollution is our starting point. Through telescopes, science, environmental stories and conversation, we're exploring what it means to care for a night sky we all share.

For families. For students. For the endlessly curious.

02 / A DARKER SKY, A BRIGHTER CONNECTION

The stars haven't gone.We've hidden them.

From our cities to our coasts, the night is part of life in Cyprus. Excessive artificial light can wash out the Milky Way and disturb the wildlife that depends on darkness.

At Under One Sky Festival, we'll explore how responsible lighting can protect our night sky, support wildlife and reduce wasted energy. Small changes can make a difference while keeping the places we use safely lit.

Explore responsible lighting with DarkSky
LIGHT SPILLS UPTHE NIGHT OPENS UP

Light only what you needKeep outdoor light directed where it is useful, not up into the sky.

Make room for darknessSwitch off unnecessary lights when they are not needed.

Choose a warmer glowUse the lowest practical brightness and warmer-coloured light.

CYPRUS AFTER DARK

A sky worth seeing

Skyglow hides faint stars and the Milky Way from view. A darker sky lets us rediscover the night above our island.

Safer journeys for birds

Cyprus is a stop along important migration routes. Bright lights can attract and disorient birds travelling at night.

A clearer path to the sea

Artificial lights near nesting beaches can draw turtle hatchlings away from the sea. Keeping our coasts darker helps protect their first journey.

Less waste. More purpose.

Lighting empty spaces and sending light into the sky uses energy without helping us see. Well-directed, well-timed lighting can reduce waste and unnecessary costs.

Read a little further

An artistic illustration, not a measured view of Nicosia's sky.

03 / THE FESTIVAL

Make space for wonder.

A taste of what we're planning. The full programme will be announced closer to the event.

TELESCOPES & STARGAZING

A closer look at the cosmos

Explore the night sky through telescopes and discover the stories behind the stars. Sky observations will depend on the weather.

SCIENCE & DISCOVERY

Science you can get close to

Meet the people exploring our world and beyond, with science exhibits, environmental discoveries and hands-on demonstrations.

COMMUNITY & CONNECTION

New faces. Common ground.

Share a story about the stars, a conversation or a view through a telescope with someone you might never otherwise meet.

THE PROGRAMME

Good things are taking shape.

We're bringing Under One Sky Festival together. Exhibitors, activities and the full programme will be announced here.

Coming soon

04 / MAKE IT POSSIBLE

A shared sky. A shared effort.

Meet the organisations helping bring Under One Sky Festival to life. We're welcoming more partners from across our communities.

Bring your curiosity to the table.

Have an idea, demonstration or project to share? We're welcoming astronomy, science, education and environmental organisations to be part of Under One Sky Festival.

Tables, chairs and electricity will be provided. Exhibitors may bring their own screens, banners and demonstration equipment.

Help a good idea reach further.

Support a festival of discovery and connection across communities. Explore the partnership tiers and confirmed partners below.

Platinum

Partners to be announced

Gold

AKTI
AKTI

Silver

Altair Astronomy & Space
Altair Astronomy & Space

Bronze

Partners to be announced

Civil Society & Ecosystem Partners

Space Generation Advisory Council
Space Generation Advisory Council

More partners will be announced.

Exhibitor and partner enquiries will open here soon.

05 / THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FESTIVAL

Seven people.One shared idea.

We came together through the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace programme. Under One Sky Festival grew from a simple belief. Caring for our shared environment can bring people across Cyprus closer.

Our team brings astronomy, environmental awareness and stories of the sky into one welcoming festival. We're making space for families, students and neighbours to learn, meet and look up together.

Organising team

  • Christos Charalambous

    Christos Charalambous

  • Kleopatra Efstathiou

    Kleopatra Efstathiou

  • Anastasia Chiriac

    Anastasia Chiriac

  • Maria-Despina

  • Berk

  • Alexia

  • Marios

THERE'S ROOM FOR YOU, TOO

Want to help us bring it to life?

Join the Under One Sky Festival volunteer team on 19 December. Help welcome visitors, support activities and make the festival feel like a gathering for everyone.

Sign up to volunteer

Volunteer sign-up is open. Please use the attendee form if you're coming as a visitor.

06 / SEE YOU UNDER THE STARS

Save the date.Leave room for wonder.

WHEN

Saturday, 19 December 2026

From 17:00 · Cyprus local time

WHERE

Ledra Palace, Nicosia

Entrance, directions and access details will be shared closer to the event.

WHO

You. And your curiosity.

Families, students and everyone with a question about the sky.

Registration is open. Complete the attendee form to join us.

Saves the 17:00 start. The finishing time is not yet confirmed.

A few things to know

Do I need to know anything about astronomy?

Not at all. Come with your questions, or simply come to look up. The festival is for people of all ages and experience levels.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Families are very welcome. We'll share more about the activities and practical arrangements when the programme is announced.

How do I register?

Registration is open. Select "Register for the festival" and complete our attendee form. Please use the separate volunteer form if you'd like to help organise the festival.

Where exactly is the event?

We'll gather at Ledra Palace in Nicosia. We'll publish entrance details, directions and accessibility information as arrangements are confirmed.

What if the sky is cloudy?

Telescope observations depend on the weather. We'll share the confirmed programme and any weather-related updates closer to the event.

Get involved

Let's make space for something good.

We're bringing together exhibitors, sponsors and civil society and ecosystem partners for Under One Sky Festival. More participation and contact details will be shared here soon.

Our first partners are listed below, with more to be announced.

View partnership tiers