Sandtrooper and Tusken Raider on the main entrance ramp at Galactic Gathering event
National Space Centre

Galactic Gathering - Festival of the Force

Head to a galaxy not so far, far away for a weekend of intergalactic fun for all the family.

  • 4th - 5th Jul 2026
  • Meet your favourite characters
  • Drive a Droid
  • Drop in to the STEAM and Lightsaber Academies

Book Now

Previous Events

  1. Child in Darth Vader costume inspects the troops at Galactic Gathering
    National Space Centre

    Head to a galaxy not so far, far away for a weekend of intergalactic family fun at the National Space Centre’s Galactic Gathering.

    Meet iconic Star Wars characters in person, step into the universe with real props and sets, try lightsaber training, drive a droid, and take part in hands-on STEAM workshops. With quirky merch from brilliant UK traders, and a packed programme of family-friendly activities, this Premium Event offers a truly unforgettable experience.

    All proceeds support charity, and your ticket also includes full access to the award-winning National Space Centre. Annual Passes are not valid for this event.

    Book Now

Galactic Gathering design asset
National Space Centre

Weekend Guide and Map

COMING SOON

Please note - as with all events of this nature guests, content, shows and times may change on the day. 

Planetarium Show

Included in your first visit is one of our award-winning shows in the UK’s largest planetarium. Sit back and enjoy this fulldome experience where you can take a tour through the Solar System, discover what it takes to be an astronomer, or be guided through the night sky without light pollution or the British weather to hamper you.

Annual Pass holders can book an additional show upon arrival, subject to availability, for £3 per person.

  1. Footprint on Mars from One Step Beyond
    NSC Creative

    One Step Beyond

    From our first baby steps we become dedicated explorers of our environment. The last century has seen us take our boldest step yet, into the deadly vacuum of space, to set our feet on the Moon. As we push ourselves to explore further and take our next big step, where might our curiosity lead us? The red planet, Mars, has long captured our imagination, but if we want to take our first steps on another planet, it won’t be an easy ride. How can governments, private companies, and people from all walks of life come together to tackle these extraordinary challenges, and could we uncover evidence of ancient Martian life? 

    Please Note: This show includes thrilling rocket launches and landings, featuring powerful sound and dynamic visual effects. While exciting, some scenes may be intense for young children or those sensitive to loud noises and dramatic moments.

  2. The Great Solar System Adventure poster
    NSC Creative

    The Great Solar System Adventure

    Join showman extraordinaire "The Great Schiaparelli" as he takes the audience on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium. From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System, on a breathtaking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is. Be warned though, the Observatorium isn’t just for show. It will transport the audience right to the heart of some of the deadliest locations in our slice of the heavens. It’s going to take some fancy flying to get everyone back in one piece!

  3. Tour Of The Night Sky

    Tour of the Night Sky

    Using our immersive Planetarium, sit back and relax as we journey together through the wonders of the Universe. Your presenter will guide you around our night time sky and together you will look at the stars, visit planets and explore the mysteries of Space, in your own unique adventure. Use our Planetarium's interactive voting system to answer questions from your presenter, in this exciting and audience driven journey.

FAQs

Yes, however, due to the popularity of the event we cannot guarantee indoor seating. If the weather is good please do consider the outdoor areas (the waterside has some bench seating and is a lot quieter).

There are 400 car parking spaces available on site offered on a first come first served basis (£4 per day - card machines in the car park, or pay at ticketing with your registration number). There is a bus stop to the 54 route within a few minutes walk of the Centre.

Absolutely, however we do have some guidelines to follow for the safety of all. Please be aware that we do work with official costuming groups, so we are unable to provide secure changing spaces, storage, or free entry. 

The National Space Centre – 0116 261 0261 (this phone line is available Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00) Or email [email protected] 

Absolutely, where we are able to do so. Our activities have been created to cut down on any queues, however if you need help with queues please speak to the staff at the point of entry. Our Duty Manager can help with supervised access to the Science Lab if you need a quiet space, place to pray, or want time out for private baby feeding, please ask on the day (this may be a shared space due to numbers/requests for use). 

No, over the past 20 years of running this event we have welcomed and been supported by some amazing guests, however, as the number of comic con style events has increased we have taken the decision to focus on creating an amazing family and fan event with our costuming group partners instead of competing with larger venues with bigger budgets than our charity. These events are dedicated to immersing yourselves through meeting costume characters, getting hands on with workshops and learning something new with other fans over the weekend. 

No, Galactic Gathering is one of five days of the year where the FREE Annual Pass upgrade ticket cannot be used. However, your ticket purchased on either day will automatically receive the FREE upgrade. 

Yes, our Content Team will be on site to get images and video to celebrate the event and market future events of this nature at the Centre. If you do not wish to be included please ask at ticketing for a badge to wear on the day. Please note - the National Space Centre is more than happy for you to take photographs as mementos and to share with friends and family on the day, however, we do not allow commercial photography on site.

No, all of the additional sessions are drop in or book on the day.