Set phasers to stun, as the Dark Sky Awakens Festival is reborn and ready to bring an other-worldly dimension to Coonabarabran.

Appropriately, Coonabarabran will welcome the return of the force that is the Dark Sky Awakens Festival on ‘May the 4th’, when locals and visitors alike are encouraged to embrace their inner sci- fi personalities, whether it be from Star Wars, Star Trek or Doctor Who – the list goes on.

2024 will mark the second year of the event’s convergence, after its inaugural weekend in May of 2022.

The event originally started as a way to bring tourists to town and it aligned with Coonabarabran’s claim to fame, as the ‘Astronomy Capital of Australia’.

This year will see a sprinkle of sci-fi-themed events throughout Coonabarabran, with the main event to be held at the Imperial Hotel.

A ticket will buy attendees access to dinner and a performance by Van the Man – the Australian Van Morrison Show – alongside support act, Matilda Poole.

Punters can expect to see sci-fi fans dressed as their favourite characters and a prize will be awarded to the best dressed.

A further highlight will be the grand opening of Flix in the Stix, which will showcase a variety of sci-fi films for all ages to enjoy.

Those who are interested in robotics will be given the opportunity to build and code their own robot at Coonabarabran High School, with proceeds going towards the school’s Robotics Club.

Laser tag is also planned, with funds raised to go to Year 12 for their end-of-year activities, while Coonabarabran Bowling Club will host a sci-fi themed ‘Jack Attack’ event – fun and fast-paced format of bowls.

Dave Hunter, founding organiser of the Dark Sky Awakens committee, said he was excited and recognised the potential benefits the event can bring to the town.

“The committee members weren’t massive sci-fi fans when we first tried to hold the event in 2020. We just wanted the engage the community and bring tourists to the town,” Mr Hunter said.

“Previous events have been trying, due to set backs, but we managed tofundthisyear’sevent through ticket sales we made from the previous event.

“It is great weekend and I hope other people can come on board with ideas and take it a step further. It could become a comic-con event!”

Not even the Simpsons could predict the plot twist that has been the Dark Sky Awakens journey.

Throughout the drought, tourists were not visiting rural towns and community spirit waslow.

In 2019 a committee gathered and decided to create an event in order to draw people to the town, and so the Dark Sky Awakens Festival was birthed.

After receiving multiple grants, the festival was planned for May 2020...then the COVID pandemic hit.

The committee then attempted to host the event in 2021, however, they experienced the same setbacks from COVID lockdowns.

Eventually, the first event was held in 2022 and was host to a David Bowie tribute band, lightsaber workshops and Star Wars affiliated groups.

Following the 2022 event, the committee disbanded. However, this year has seen an uplifting development with the backing and support of various local community groups.

2357 Development Group is currently in partnership with the Dark Sky Awakens committee, and Mr Hunter said they had supported with ticket sales and brought fresh ideas to the table.

2357 has created a noticeboard housed in an empty shopfront in John Street, for all Dark Sky Awaken updates and community events.

While plans are surging ahead for the 2024 Dark Sky Awakens festival, volunteers are encouraged to join the committee to bring fresh perspectives on future events.

Get your tickets here: https://www.2357.org.au/darkskyawakensfestival2024

PHOTO: The Dark Sky Awakens Festival will be returning to Coonabarabran on 3-5 May. (Image courtesy Emily Rouse)