A festival exploring life on other planets, UFO encounters, and the mysteries of the universe is returning to Northumberland this summer.
Cosmic Frequencies Festival is back in Hexham from August 7 to 9, bringing together scientists, artists, and researchers for three days of talks, film screenings, live music, and community activities.
Produced by Cosmic Frequencies Events CIC, the event takes place in venues across Hexham, including the Forum Cinema, while being set at the gateway to the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, one of Europe's largest protected night sky areas.
"Cosmic Frequencies is about creating a space where science, art and human curiosity come together," said festival co-founder Dr Bill Garrett.
"Being based in Hexham, on the edge of the Dark Sky Park, gives us a unique connection to the night sky and the wider universe.
"We're excited to welcome both local audiences and visitors from further afield to explore these ideas together."
Read more
Passive Newcastle players leave Howe's job at risk
Person dies after incident on Newcastle-Carlisle railway line
Mountain rescue teams aid injured walker at Hadrian's Wall
This year's festival will tackle major cosmic questions, such as the nature of the universe, the possibility of consciousness being fundamental to reality, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
The headline event, Are We Alone in the Universe?, will gather leading voices in science and research to examine humanity's ongoing search for life beyond Earth.
The line-up includes Professor Carlos Frenk of Durham University, who will speak on dark matter and the origins of the universe, and Professor Philip Goff, also of Durham, who will explore whether the universe itself could be conscious.
Professor Fiona Crisp from Northumbria University will discuss citizen-led space research and the artist’s role in exploring the cosmos.
Luis Bernardo Guzmán from Radix-Lucis Studio will present work connecting art, biotechnology, and space exploration, including projects related to the International Space Station.
The programme also covers aviation history and UFO phenomena, with talks on visual cognition in pilots, World War II 'Foo Fighter' sightings, and contemporary UFO encounters.
On Saturday, Hexham Community Centre will host family-friendly activities, including a pop-up planetarium, interactive exhibits, and the 'Signal to the Stars' project, where students will create and transmit messages into space.
Live music will include a headline set from Hexham band S.K.X Funkanauts.
The festival concludes on Sunday with Cosmic Cinema at the Forum, featuring documentary premieres and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
The full programme is available at www.cosmicfrequencies.org, and tickets can be purchased at www.tickettailor.com/events/cosmicfrequencieseventscic/2142387.
Share