The event will combine creativity, art, engineering and science across a Moon Palace bus, mobile planetarium, and Junction 7 Creatives.

Formerly a school bus, Moon Palace has been designed to spark visitors’ curiosity with a fusion of art and science, giving them the chance to meet professionals working in both fields. It will be a space for conversations on topics including the world around us, the vastness of our universe, and the impacts humans are having on a changing planet. Visitors can sample a cup of cosmic tea whilst they explore the onboard equipment, which includes a powerful optical telescope for after-dark stargazing and a rooftop radio telescope.

The planetarium will be offering 15-minute shows, offering an immersive experience focused on the wonder of the cosmos.

Over at Junction 7 Creatives, there will be a drop-in creative workshop, open mic readings, and the chance to create your own galaxy artwork for younger visitors.

The Moon Palace experience will be in Stevenage on Friday 6 March, from 5-9pm, and Saturday 7 March, from 1-9pm. All events are free. The bus will be at Event Island and the planetarium at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre.

Councillor Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport at Stevenage Borough Council, said: 

“Moon Palace will bring a sense of awe and wonder to Stevenage, blending art and science, and making them accessible to all.

“We hope that these events will spark people’s enthusiasm for space, and there is also the chance to learn more about careers in the arts, technology and science – including game design, medical illustration, and architecture.”

John Prebbles, Director, at Junction 7 Creatives, said:

“Moon Palace encourages us all to look up and wonder, to remember how enormous life and the universe are. Junction 7 is thrilled to be part of the Moon Palace adventure, offering people lots of opportunities to imagine and create, with art, poetry and more!”

Shanti Pise, Outreach & Public Engagement for School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“Bringing the Moon Palace Bus to Stevenage allows us to connect science with local communities in meaningful ways. It’s about giving people of all backgrounds the chance to step inside, ask questions, be creative and see how space science relates to their own futures.

“We’re proud to be part of the Ogden Trust collaboration delivering the Moon Palace Bus in Stevenage alongside partners including the University of Leeds, Queen Mary and Durham University. Together, we’re opening space science to schools and communities, sparking curiosity and widening participation in STEM.”

The three locations are suitable for all ages. Under 14s will need to be accompanied by an adult. The bus and planetarium need to be booked in advance, and session times are restricted so visitors need to arrive promptly for their session. The bus is accessible by wheelchair. The bus is also a shoe-free zone.

You can find out more or book the Moon Palace and planetarium using the buttons below.

Book a place on the Moon Palace Experience for you and your family.

Book a planetarium place for you and your family.

The event has been organised by Stevenage Borough Council, in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Junction 7 Creatives.