Magic of the night sky to come alive in Swindon town centre

The magic of the night sky will come alive in the town centre this autumn thanks to a new pop-up planetarium.

Starting in October and running throughout November, Planetarium Go UK will be offering a variety of immersive experiences in a pop-up planetarium at Wharf Green next to the former Tented Market.

Audiences of all ages will be able to explore the wonders of the universe inside a large spherical dome with a 360º screen. A number of shows are available including:

• Beyond the Sun - a film aimed at younger children, which tells the story of Celeste and the moon journeying through the universe to discover what exoplanets are and how they can be detected.
• ‘3-2-1 Lift Off’ - a film for younger children about Alan the hamster, whose life turns upside down when a mysterious crash leaves a crater in his garden. Inside he finds a damaged robot that fell from the orbit and helps him get back to its spaceship.
• the awe-inspiring journey From Earth to Universe for older children and adults, which explores the evolution of astronomy, the planets of our Solar System and other cosmic wonders
• Voyager: The Never-Ending Journey (for all ages), which offers an inspiring journey through the Solar System and beyond, following the legendary Voyager spacecraft as it explores distant planets and ventures into interstellar space.

Screenings last between 25 and 35 minutes and will take place between 11am and 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11am and 7pm on Fridays, 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and 11am and 6pm on Sundays (closed on Mondays) between 30 October and 28 November.

Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “Wharf Green is a fantastic space right in the heart of our town centre and, as we’ve seen through last year’s Summer at the Green events, it can become a real focal point when we bring something different to it.

“We want to keep giving people more reasons to come into the town centre, spend time here and enjoy experiences they might not necessarily expect to find in Swindon, so I’m really pleased that Planetarium Go is joining the growing programme of events at Wharf Green.

“Having a planetarium right in the middle of the town centre is certainly something a little different. Whether you’ve got a child fascinated by space or you simply fancy escaping for half an hour under the stars, I’d recommend booking a ticket and giving it a go.”

Tickets for general admission cost £10 with a variety of offers for groups or students. Children under four get free admission. Tickets can be booked on the Planetarium Go website.