Seeing stars this February Half Term at Ironbridge Valley of Invention

This February half term, from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February, the museums at Ironbridge Valley of Invention will be transporting visitors to outer space with cosmos-themed events and activities for the whole family.

The story of the Industrial Revolution and the Ironbridge Gorge begins in space, where iron comes from. From handling meteorites to making clay stars, there will be lots of opportunities for kids to get hands-on and have fun.

Pancake Day will also be the occasion for some flipping good fun.

Comets and Constellations, Enginuity

At this extra-special half-term event on the theme of Cosmic Iron, families will go on an immersive adventure to discover the marvels of the universe. Two planetariums will screen the mind-blowing film We Are Stars, with amazing animations that will answer questions about where we come from and our connection with the universe. Children will have the chance to handle 4.6-billion-year-old meteorites, as well as learning about comets before making one to take home. There will be mind-bending Virtual Reality experiences where kids can explore the world around them in a new way and Augmented Reality adventures to discover the periodic table and learn about new and wondrous elements.

Event in collaboration with Immersive Experiences. This event is suitable for mini astronauts aged 5+. Additional charge of £3 on top of Enginuity ticket price or free to PASS PLUS holders. Spaces are limited and must be booked.

A Trip to the Moon, Blists Hill Victorian Town

At Blists Hill Victorian Town, visitors will step back in time to the world of silent movies. The Goods Shed will become an ad-hoc theatre where visitors can watch the 1902 film A Trip to the Moon by Georges Méliès, an influential film that has delighted cinema goers and science fiction fans of all ages for the last hundred years. There will be live piano accompaniment to evoke for visitors the atmosphere of a silent movie theatre. Free event.

Fans of the film will also be able to go to the Printer’s shop and create a personalised poster telling everyone they have seen this marvellous new moving picture. Additional charge on top of Blists Hill ticket price, free to PASS PLUS holders.

Cosmic Clay workshops, Coalport China Museum

Coalport China Museum will host a series of drop-in workshops for kids where they will be able to make clay stars and planets using air dry clay. They will take their own unique piece home, where it will be ready to be painted a few days later.

All equipment will be provided. Suitable for all ages from 2+. £2 per person charge on top of Coalport China Museum ticket price, free to PASS PLUS holders.

Finally, on Shrove Tuesday, 13 February, Blists Hill Victorian Town will host its annual pancake-tossing competition to see who can flip their pancake the most times before the whistle blows. All participants will receive a small prize.

For full details of events, tickets and annual pass prices, visit https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/