Out-of-this-world adventures as Leodis Space Agency lands in Leeds

This Easter, the city of Leeds is set to witness an extraordinary event as LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) and Welcome to Leeds launches the Leodis Space Agency.  This cosmic experience promises to transport residents and visitors alike to new dimensions of wonder and excitement. From March 23 to April 14, Leeds will become a hub of interstellar activity, with captivating installations and interactive exhibits spread across key locations.

Would-be space cadets can take a giant leap into the unknown during the school Easter holidays, embarking on their own out-of-this-world adventure across Leeds city centre on a mission of discovery. The Leodis Space Agency is on a mission – to deliver a range of cosmic activities for all the family to enjoy, with exhibits to discover, alien encounters and interactive workshops.

Helping bring this all together is Norse Sky, an exciting set and prop builder for attractions, theatre, TV and film based in Keighley. The company started in 2015 and has worked alongside many huge brands worldwide, including Lego, Barker Stonehouse and Yorkshire Tea. Other partners include Trinity Leeds, Merrion Centre and Child Friendly Leeds.

Briggate Illuminated: Journey Through the Solar System

At the heart of the Leodis Space Agency is the incredible launch site, directly on Briggate and featuring our incredible Solar System flying high above the heads. The eight planets in the solar system – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will all feature over Briggate.

As the sun sets, Briggate will transform into a radiant representation. The vibrant and enchanting display will guide visitors on a journey through the cosmos, with each step revealing the beauty of our celestial neighbours.

Trinity Leeds Transforms into Lunar Wonderland: Lunar Module Landing Unveiled

Trinity Leeds will play host to an awe-inspiring Lunar Module Landing scene. Imagine the lunar surface brought to life, complete with intricate details that transport visitors into the realm of space exploration. This spectacular installation will captivate audiences of all ages and spark a sense of adventure. A host of workshops will be announced over the next weeks. 

Witness the Flyby of the International Space Station at Leeds City Station

The cutting-edge display will give onlookers a sense of the station’s orbital journey, creating a celestial atmosphere in the heart of Leeds.

Alien Zoo Exhibit: Unearth the Wonders of the Universe

Intrepid explorers can visit Alien Zoo, an interactive mixed reality (MR) exhibit landing in the Merrion Centre. This fun exhibit, from XR storyteller and technologist Martin Taylor and multimedia artist Wayne Sables, invites visitors to imagine what’s out there as they step into a the wondrous interactive menagerie of strange Alien life forms from distant worlds.

Karen Butler, LeedsBID’s Director of Place and Engagement, said:

“We are taking our own small step to animate the city centre with fun, friendly events and activities during key school holidays – this Easter encouraging families’ exploration of space while discovering more about Leeds during their travels.”

John Prowse, Head of Project at Norse Sky, said: 

“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with LeedsBID to design and fabricate a series of large space-themed props that will be displayed throughout Leeds city centre. The displays are all huge, despite being scaled down, and it really makes you think about the sheer magnitude of the engineering involved in space exploration. The human ingenuity involved in constructing craft that are capable of taking us out into the wide expanse beyond Earth really is quite inspiring.”

Leeds City Museum is also hosting its own programme of space fun throughout the Easter holidays, as they invite families to bring along their mini astronauts for an out-of-this-world experience. Between 2-4 April, the Museum is hosting three days of fun including an immersive planetarium in the main hall, drop-in cosmic crafts and a constellation trail.

All the fun of the Leodis Space Agency blasts off in Leeds on Saturday, 23 March and runs until Saturday 14 April 2024.

Explore more here.