One giant leap this half term in Leicester
Events with a space theme are being held at venues in the city
BUDDING astronauts can blast off into ten days of space-themed fun this October half term.
The One Giant Leap event runs from October 11 until October 20 in Leicester city centre, with a whole programme of events to entertain children and adults alike.
The event includes the return of Museum of the Moon, a trail of LEGO® brick models in the city centre, retro arcade games and a stunning outdoor projection show called Overview Effect.
The special event programme has been designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing – and starts during World Space Week.
The out-of-this-world programme has received funding from BID Leicester, Arts Council England, Leicester Cathedral and Leicester City Council.
A highlight of the programme will delight youngsters and inspire nostalgia in older visitors - the BRICKLIVE® Outer Space Trail will bring 15 amazing models containing LEGO® bricks to venues around the city centre.
Visitors will be able to see reconstructions of the rockets that took us to the moon and stand side-by-side with famous astronauts. The tallest model – the SLS Mars Rocket – stands at an incredible 314cm tall and contains over 48,000 bricks.
The models will make up a trail around the city which can be followed using the LoyalFree app. Each model will have its own unique QR code which can be scanned on the app, with a chance to win one of a selection of prizes – the more QR codes scanned, the more chances to win.
Those wishing to make an expedition to the moon can visit artist Luke Jerram’s stunning ‘Museum of the Moon’ installation at Leicester Cathedral.
Measuring a huge seven metres in diameter, the internally-lit moon sculpture features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. A series of evening events including concerts, silent discos by moonlight (a children’s and an adults’ session), wine tasting and a talk with exhibits by the National Space Centre will add an extra dimension to the moon-gazing experience.
Throughout the week, visitors will be able to unleash their competitive side and play retro computer games inspired by the moon landings on public screens.
The programme will finish with Overview Effect on October 19 and 19 in New Market Square – this breathtaking outdoor spectacle designed by arts and heritage organisation Metro Boulot Dodo celebrates the achievement of the 1969 moon landing through a psychedelic and atmospheric projection show, set to a stunning original soundtrack.
Simon Jenner, BID Leicester Director, said: “It is great for BID Leicester to be able to work with partners across the city to put on such an ambitious programme with something for everyone to enjoy.
“The variety and scale of the events will no doubt attract visitors to the city over the October half term holidays and encourage them to move around the city centre to discover these exciting installations, models, games and shows in different locations.”
Full details on the One Giant Leap programme can be found online at onegiantleap-leicester.co.uk