The National Space Centre will mark 20 years of its hugely popular Star Wars event with a spectacular weekend celebration on 4–5 July, welcoming more than 100 costumed characters each day from across the iconic franchise. First launched in 2006 after collaboration with the 501st UK Garrison, the event quickly became a standout in the fan calendar. Its inaugural year featured legendary actors Kenny Baker, Dave Prowse, and Jeremy Bulloch — the faces behind R2-D2, Darth Vader, a

The National Space Centre is marking its 25th birthday on 30 June with the launch of an extraordinary new gallery experience — a major addition designed to transform the visitor journey and bring the far reaches of our Solar System closer than ever before. At the heart of the celebrations is the brand-new Outer Solar System Experience, an immersive space where visitors can step beyond the asteroid belt and explore distant worlds without ever leaving the Centre. This exciting

The National Space Centre is inviting visitors to celebrate its 25th birthday in spectacular style with a special anniversary edition of Space Lates and an exclusive AstroSnores sleepover which promises an unforgettable night of after-hours exploration, silent disco fun and cosmic adventure. On Friday 12 June 2026, guests can enjoy after-hours access to the whole Centre (including the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport) and enjoy a programme packed full of entertainment, as

Family activities, expert talks and commemorative plaque unveiling mark Leicester's role in Britain's pioneering Mars mission The National Space Centre and UK Space Agency are inviting families and enthusiasts to celebrate one of the UK's most remarkable achievements in space exploration at a special Beagle 2 Celebration Day on Sunday 7 June 2026. Included with normal admission, the day will commemorate the Beagle 2 Mars mission and the vital role Leicester played in its st

This May will see Pirates take over the planetarium at the National Space Centre as things take a sharp turn into full swashbuckling chaos with an after-hours Pirate Party that celebrates the 30th anniversary of Muppet Treasure Islandand featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun. Held on Friday 22 May, this special evening event transforms the Centre into a pirate’s playground, with film, live music p

Ten years to the day since Tim Peake’s dramatic return to Earth, Britain’s most renowned astronaut will be returning to the National Space Centre to celebrate not only the milestone, but also the continuation of his inspirational legacy. Whats On Date 8th Jun 2026 Visitors can expect a truly immersive experience. Tim will meet with schoolchildren and community groups, recreate and discuss some of the education experiments he conducted aboard the International Space Station,