Galactic Gathering - Festival of the Force

Activities

Included in your day ticket to the event is access to our galleries, a Planetarium show, and an opportunity to enjoy a trip to low Earth orbit from the Tetrastar Spaceport (subject to availability), but you can also drop in to the following on the day:

1. Meet the Characters

   • 10:00-17:00 both days (main parade and group photo 16:00)

   Thanks to the 501st UK Garrison, Rebel Legion, The Mandalorian Mercenaries, The Dark Empire, Saber Guild, and The Droidbuilders you can meet over 100 of your favourite characters from a galaxy far far away (don't forget to stay with us for 16:00 each day to see the full parade and final group photo). 

2. Saber Guild

   • 10:00-16:00 both days (subject to availability)

   Drop in for a Lightsaber class with these Jedi Masters. There will be timed child and adult classes throughout the day (please book on the day at the Saber Guild stand - offered on a first come first served basis). 

3. Play Games

   • 10:00-17:00 both days (drop in)

   Join the Asmodee team and explore an exciting range of Star Wars-themed games. From family favourites to kids' adventures and deeper experiences for dedicated players, there's something for every fan of the galaxy far, far away.

4. Props and Photo Ops

   • 10:00-17:00 both days

   Take a seat on the Emperor's Throne (watch out Rebels), or head to Endor on a Speeder Bike thanks to the 501st UK Garrison. There will be many other photo opportunities over the weekend, so keep those phones and cameras handy. 

5. Craft Sessions

   Join our Discovery team to make and take your very own memento of the day (drop in sessions on a first come basis).

6. Droid Hunt

   • 10:00-16:00 both days (£2 per lanyard)

   The 501st Droid Hunt is played by fans all over the world. Drop by the 501st UK Garrison table to get your droid lanyard. Wear this around the Centre and if you are caught by an Imperial you will receive a ticket to potentially win one of the prizes on offer (all monies go to charity). 

7. Robot Arms & Mini Domes (6-16)

   • 28 June - 13:00 / 29 June - 15:00

   Take charge of real robot arms and smart domes using fun, easy coding. Make them move, react, and come to life as you explore the awesome world of robotics and automation.

8. Droid trails (6-16)

   • Both Days - 10:00 and 13:00

   Program cool rolling robots to zoom through tricky mazes using simple block coding. Solve puzzles, think fast, and see if your bot can beat the trail!

9. Games of Star Wars (8-18)

   • 28 June - 15:00 / 29 June - 10:00

   Battle beasts in Dejarik or outsmart opponents in Sabacc—just like in Star Wars! Use strategy, math, and a bit of luck to win... and remember: always let the Wookiee win!

10. Bug Bots (8-12)

    • 28 June 10:00 / 29 June 15:00

    Create a buzzing, wiggling robot bug! Learn how circuits and motion work as you build, test, and customise your very own insect-inspired bot to take home.

11. Astromech Coding & Programming (6-18)

    • 28 June 13:00 / 29 June 10:00

    Code your own Astromech to complete fun missions—no experience needed! Then take it to the next level by programming lights, sounds, and circuits just like real droid tech. From simple commands to custom microcontrollers, your journey to becoming a Droidbuilder starts here!

12. Press Badge Making (all ages)

    • 28 June 10:00 / 29 June 15:00

    Get creative with custom badge-making—draw your favourite droids or invent your own designs, then turn them into real, wearable pin badges using the badge press.

13. Binary Code Bracelets (6-12)

    • 28 June - 10:00 & 15:00 / 29 June - 13:00 & 15:00

    Learn the secret language of droids and turn your name into binary code using beads. Create a cool bracelet that shows off your new coding skills—and take it home to wear and share.

14. Colour the Force & Light Sabers (Glowsticks) (4-12)

    • 28 June 15:00 / 29 June - 13:00

    Choose the light or dark side and bring Star Wars scenes and characters to life with your own drawings. Then craft your very own mini lightsaber to take home—Jedi creativity, unlocked.

15. Origami Star Wars (6-14)

    • 28 June 15:00 / 29 June 13:00

    Discover the magic of origami by turning paper into cool animals and shapes using just folds. Build your focus, patience, and skills while making amazing designs step by step.

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. 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!

2. 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.

3. We Are Aliens

   We Are Aliens allows families, adults and children the opportunity to explore the important questions in the Universe. Are there other civilisations out there? Will we one day connect with them? Or is it just us? In other words, are we alone? And you may just recognise the voice behind it all as it’s none other than actor Rupert Grint, famous for his portrayal of Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies.