Our Place in Space

Start: Saturday 30 July, 2022

End: Monday 29 August, 2022

OPEN EVERY DAY

Our Place in Space has announced a packed programme of free events taking place in Cambridge this July and August while the sculpture trail visits the city. The family-friendly opening weekend features a live event with recently returned NASA astronaut Kayla Barron, STEAM activities, space talks and a special performance of Even You Song inspired by the moon landings. Throughout August you can enjoy special events at museums, cosmic storytelling, a silent disco during the Perseid meteor shower and much more.

Launch weekend

Midsummer Common

30–31 July, 12pm–9pm

A two-day packed programme of family-friendly events on Midsummer Common next to the start of the sculpture trail. Meet real life NASA astronaut Kayla Barron, enjoy live music from Waterbeach Brass, take part in a book signing with Oliver Jeffers, get crafty with SunSpaceArt, hear from solar scientists and astrophysicists and join a special edition of Even You Song. Events will take place at a stage and marquees on the Common from 12pm–9pm on Saturday 30 July and from 12pm–6pm on Sunday 31 July.

Ice from Above

The Polar Museum

6 August, 10am–5pm

Join the team at The Polar Museum and help to map the coldest places on planet Earth with a giant floor map. How deep are the lakes? How thick is the ice? Are the forests getting smaller? Drop-in and discover how seeing zPolar Regions from above can unlock their secrets.

Morning Yoga

Midsummer Common

6 and 7 August, 8am

Enjoy adult or family friendly morning yoga sessions on Midsummer Common next to the solar system and help improve your mental health, reduce stress or achieve your overall health and fitness goals.

Guided tours of the solar system

Starting on Midsummer Common

6–28 August (various dates and times)

Join a variety of guided tours of the solar system on the spectacular Midsummer Common. Delivered by the Our Place in Space creative team, Dr Matthew Bothwell or Hunt and Darton, each tour is tailored to different interests and abilities.

Minecraft and coding week

Cambridge Central Library and Museum of Technology

8–12 August

The Our Place in Space creative learning team will deliver a week of free Minecraft and coding workshops for young people aged 7–14 where they can design their own space vehicle and create a game inspired by Space Invaders.

Meteors on Midsummer — Silent Disco Stargazing

Midsummer Common

13 August, 9pm

Taking place on Midsummer Common during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, this unique event will invite you to lie back and open your eyes and ears to the wonder of the sky. Featuring immersive soundtracks by Sounds of Space and Cambridge-based artist Sarah Wood, the evening of silent disco skygazing will awaken your senses.

Cycle the Solar System

Starting at Midsummer Common

13–28 August (various dates and times)

Grab your bike and cycle your way through the solar system with some fellow explorers.

Storytelling at the Sun

Midsummer Common

14 and 21 August, 11am

Treat yourself and your family to a storytelling adventure by the Sun this August. Warm up your imagination by visiting the Cambridge Mobile Library on Midsummer Common before settling down with expert storyteller Marion Leeper who will take you to the moon and back as she shares adventures inspired by space exploration!

Picnic at the Planets closing event

Midsummer Common

28 August, 11am–6pm

Join us one last time and help bid farewell to the Our Place in Space sculpture trail with a Picnic at the Planets. Enjoy hands-on creative STEAM activities, guided tours, games, live music by the Lightwaves, Hunt and Darton’s interactive 'Great Planetary Make-Off', make your own rocket with the CHAOS science team or have a go on one of the Outspoken Smoothie Bikes to DIY your own free smoothie.