Space Lates - June
Discover the National Space Centre with a very special 25th birthday party evening.
- 12th Jun 2026
- An inspiring evening
- Hands-on science activities
- Explore galleries after hours
- Space news and celebrations
- Limited tickets, exclusive access
This month's Space Lates invites you to embark on a celebration of our 25th birthday — a chance to explore the wonders of science and space through hands-on activities, limited edition goodies, silent disco, stargazing, and the rare opportunity to wander our galleries after hours (including the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport!)
This special edition of Space Lates features a unique programme created exclusively for the night. Our immersive and celebratory offering on this occasion will highlight some of the science that's been shared by the National Space Centre over the past 25 years. So whether you’re intrigued by space, keen to get hand-on with artefacts and activities, or simply looking for an inspiring night out, Space Lates delivers a relaxed, engaging experience for teens and adults alike.
With limited tickets available, this Space Lates offers an exclusive way to immerse yourself in science, creativity, and cosmic curiosity.
About Space Lates
This jam-packed evening is designed to allow you to choose and explore your top picks.
It's not expected that you'll be able to catch everything.
You are free to explore our galleries throughout the night.
Please note that on this occasion of Space Lates the Rocket Tower and Tetrastar Spaceport will be open.
Hot food can be pre-ordered when purchasing your ticket.
Our café will be open throughout the evening.
What to Expect
Throughout the evening there will be a range of drop-in activities for you to take part in - some more celebratory in nature and others exploring the space science exhibited at the centre. Weather dependant we also work with Leicester Astronomical Society to host stargazing sessions, so there's sure to be something for everyone to get stuck into.
Please note: Our programme is still being updated so check back here to see what else will be running on the evening!
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![Space Centre Drinks Reception]()
Arrival Drink and Party Bag
- On arrival
- Soyuz Lounge
Begin your evening with with a non-alcoholic party punch drink as you arrive and pick up your exclusive 25th birthday tote bag with goodies inside!
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![charlie cropped]()
25 years of the National Space Centre in pictures and artefacts
- 19:15 and 20:15
- Boosters seating area
Join Charlie - Director of Discovery at the National Space Centre for a short talk as she visits the history of the centre through lesser told past stories, artefacts and pictures from the archives.
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![Bubbles and lights as part of sensory play in LIVE Space]()
National Space Centre Silent Disco
- Drop-in (18:00-20:45)
- LIVE Space
Party away in our silent disco! Expect some space music and throwbacks to the early 2000's as we turn our LIVE Space into a amazing illuminated dancefloor.
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![Tetrastar Spaceport Tharsis 1 spacecraft]()
National Space Centre Tetrastar Spaceport
- Drop-in (18:00-20:45)
- Tetrastar Spaceport
Journey to Mars in our immersive and interactive experience. Take a seat on the Tharsis spacecraft and join the ever helpful ADA, as you head off on your journey!
Tetrastar Spaceport is suitable for 5+ children (minimum 1m height when accompanied by an adult). Visitors with epilepsy, in pregnancy or other physical conditions will be advised to refrain from riding the Tharsis.
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![Gallery hub]()
Explore the Galleries
- Drop-in (18:00-21:00)
- Gallery Hub
From the deepest mysteries in the Universe to astronauts venturing into space - wander through our galleries at your own pace and discover some of the greatest space missions, how to go to the toilet in space, and the role of satellites in helping us to monitor our planet from above.
Grab a gallery trail to guide you through some of our most impressive exhibits!
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![Thor Able and Blue Streak rockets in the Rocket Tower at the National Space Centre]()
National Space Centre Discover the Rocket Tower
- Drop-in (18:00-20:45)
- Rocket Tower
On this celebratory Space Lates, our Rocket Tower will be open to explore. Discover the story of the Space Race, history of rocketry, and Britain's Space Race. Don't miss our iconic Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets and a real piece of Moon Rock.
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![birthday badges]()
Birthday Badges
- Drop-in (18:00-21:00)
- Leicester in Space
Get into the celebratory spirit by making your own birthday badge to wear and take home with you. Use one of our designs or get creative and compose your own!
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![E429ff59 1E6c 408E B424 9D925feaf858]()
Blast Off Body Art
- Drop-in (18:00-21:00)
- Home Planet
Get in on some sparkly fun with our Discovery Team! Choose a water-based, non-toxic temporary tattoo and show off your cosmic style for the rest of the evening.
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![Family enjoying a science busk demonstration]()
National Space Centre From the Vaults
- Drop-in (18:00-21:00)
- The Universe
Get hands on with some of our favourite collection items. Join our Discovery team to learn more about some of the fascinating exhibits we have on display and hidden in our artefacts store.
Stargazing with Leicester Astronomical Society
Meet the Leicester Astronomical Society to find out more about stargazing and to look through their telescopes. *weather permitting.
Drop-in (18:00-21:00), Car Park or Boosters if poor weather
Limited availability (first come, first served basis): Bring your own telescope along and members of the Leicester Astronomical Society will happily offer telescope setting-up advice.
Planetarium Show
The National Space Centre is also home to the UK's largest planetarium, so no session would be complete without a seat under the fulldome. Included in a Space Lates ticket will be a timed show.
The Great Solar System Adventure (19:45)
Sit back and relax as you're taken on an immersive journey by 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 breath-taking tour that reveals just how precious our home planet really is.
Space Lates FAQs
