On the 21 July 1969 humankind began a brand new chapter in the history of science and exploration as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the Moon. The iconic Jodrell Bank in Cheshire played a unique role in tracking the Eagle Lander onto the surface.

To celebrate 50 years to the day, we have announced the first phase of our incredible Moon-themed line-up to mark one of the most momentous feats in the history of human endeavour.

The ever-popular Dot Talks return with a stellar line-up including Dr Helen Sharman the UK’s first astronaut and the first woman on the Mir space station, veteran broadcaster and science historian James Burke – the BBC’s anchor for the live coverage of the Apollo 11 Moon Landings in 1969 and the UK Space Agency’s human spaceflight expert Libby Jackson, Dr Katherine Joy, Dr Simeon Barber and broadcaster Dallas Campbell presenting an in-depth examination of returning to the Moon and establishing a permanent human presence on its surface, plus many more.

Using audio ‘loops’ created between mission control and the lunar module, fused with signals and recordings generated by Jodrell Bank as it tracked the moon landings, celebrated light artists Illuminos will transform the Lovell Telescope with Lunar Loops Telescope Projection. Our arts and culture programme will also be enriched with bespoke lunar content including Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon.

Moon-dwelling Clangers celebrate their 50th anniversary with a series of talks and award-winning Aardman Animations also has a milestone birthday this year with the 30th anniversary of the first Wallace and Gromit film, A Grand Day Out. There will be a special screening of the ground breaking moon-shot short and an in-conversation with the Aardman team.

Plus much more Moon-themed music, science, arts and culture announced – view the line-up here.

Weekend tickets on sale now to join us to celebrate this momentous weekend at Jodrell Bank deep space observatory.