From sea shanties to space stations, astronauts to anthems: May takes off at the National Space Centre
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 24 April 2026
May is shaping up to be a busy one at the National Space Centre - and not in a “quiet wander around the exhibits” kind of way. Think toddlers discovering space for the first time, sensory-friendly afternoons, pirates taking over the planetarium, a real-life astronaut and Queen blasting through the cosmos - all within a few short weeks.
The month kicks off on 1 May with Small Space Days, a gentle introduction to space for the Centre’s youngest explorers. Designed for early years visitors, it’s a chance for little ones to get hands-on with discovery with stories, crafts and play plus a toddler friendly planetarium show which is they’re sure to go (goo goo) ga ga over.
Things take a more relaxed turn on 10 May with an Accessible Afternoon, offering a quieter, more supportive experience to support children, young adults and families with additional needs and disabilities, designed for SEND visitors who would benefit from a quieter experience. With relaxed lighting and sounds around the Centre and hands-on sensory activities that are drop-in, to allow visitors to experience them in their own time. It’s all about making space — quite literally — for everyone to explore comfortably.
Then, on 22 May, things take a sharp turn into full swashbuckling chaos with an after-hours Pirate Party celebrating the 30th anniversary of Muppet Treasure Island and featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun.
This special evening event transforms the Centre into a pirate’s playground, with film, live music performance, out-of-hours gallery access, treasure hunting, and plenty of victuals and grog.
The evening’s main event, a 30th anniversary screening of Muppet Treasure Island will take place in the UK’s largest planetarium with an early screening for families, a later 18+ screening, access to the galleries throughout, activities from our own space pirate crew, all topped by an amazing performance from the The Puppet Folk Experience. This is a night that every pirate can enjoy – and there may even be some rum in the bar!
The following evening, 23 May, offers something a little more grounded — though no less extraordinary. An Evening with Helen Sharman marks 35 years since the UK’s first astronaut journeyed to the MIR Space Station, and she’ll be sharing her story in the heart of the galleries.
This is less lecture, more intimate encounter with a genuinely historic moment. Guests will be treated to an inspiring live presentation from Helen, as she shares first hand stories of life in orbit, followed by an audience Q&A. What’s more, artifacts from that very journey will be on display including Helen’s launch couch, spacesuit, and personal items from MIR. Choose from a range of ticket packages, including VIP options with premium seating and added exclusives to make your experience truly special.
With May half term landing right in the middle of all this, the National Space Centre is also gearing up for a full week of family-friendly adventure with Mission Space, running from 23–31 May. Expect hands-on workshops, live talks, and interactive science activities, alongside the chance to step aboard the Tharsis spacecraft for an unforgettable journey from the Tetrastar Spaceport. With the whole Centre to explore — from rockets to astronauts — it’s the ultimate family day out for all space explorers and their crew.
Rounding off the month on 29 May is Queen Heaven, an audiovisual planetarium experience dedicated to one of the most enduring bands of all time.
Set beneath the vast dome of the UK’s largest planetarium, the show pairs Queen’s biggest anthems — including Bohemian Rhapsody and Who Wants To Live Forever — in a space designed to surround you with sound and atmosphere.
Alongside the music, you’ll enjoy a specially created full dome visual show – a rare chance to see Queen’s songs brought to life in a planetarium setting. Originally crafted over a decade ago, the visuals have a nostalgic charm of their own. But the true magic lies in experiencing these anthems together, in a space where every stellar note feels larger than life.
Across all of these events, guests can explore the National Space Centre itself — the UK’s largest visitor attraction dedicated to space — including six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, the iconic Rocket Tower, and a host of hands-on exhibits, real spacecraft, and immersive experiences that bring the story of space exploration to life.
Tickets for all events are available now via the National Space Centre website- https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/
