The European AstroFest returned to its usual London home last weekend, the first since 2020 which took place just before the start of the global pandemic.
Outside the Kensington Conference Centre London before the crowds arrive for AstroFest 2023
This two day event was held at the Kensington Conference and Events Centre on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th February. The event featured 3 floors of exhibition space showing the latest astro-gear from a range of suppliers and retailers. Over the two day event a total of 16 talks were given by astronomers and space scientists, including historian Professor Allan Chapman and Queen lead guitarist (and astronomer) Brian May
Baader Planetarium were invited to be part of the event by Dr Simon Bennett and Elena Kostyaeva from The Widescreen Centre and our UK representative attended on our behalf. We had a portion of their booth, located in a prime spot near the main ground floor entrance outside the large lecture theatre, which was dedicated to a wide selection of our products.
Thursday was the usual “set up” day which was done in good time ready for the opening. Friday dawned and many were unsure of how well that day would be attended as there was a continuation of industrial action by rail workers. As opening time drew nearer, a long line of attendees formed waiting to get in and overall it was a nice steady day. Saturday was, as is usually the case, a lot busier.
Lots of good discussions were had and many purchases made over both days. Interest in our products was strong with many chats and demonstrations being had about our Universal Filter Changer (UFC) system, our ClickLock products, Astro T-2 and M48 accessories, Hyperion and Morpheus eyepieces and their accessories and our filters especially our new 7.5nm Solar Continuum and our CMOS Optimised Narrowband models.
It was great to be back to this event and and we do look forward to being part of AstroFest 2024….but wearing softer more comfortable shoes!
Our portion of the Widescreen Centre booth dedicated to a selection of Baader Planetarium products
