Leicester’s National Space Centre is set to illuminate its iconic Rocket Tower next week, as one of the landmark beacons lighting up across the UK and Commonwealth for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The Rocket Tower will be one of an estimated 1,500 beacons illuminated throughout the UK, Channel Isles and Commonwealth countries at 21:45 on June 2.
This year also marks 20 years since HRH Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip visited the National Space Centre, making this event even more of a celebration. Children from across the East Midlands will also perform a special series of dances at the event.
“We are proud that our iconic building and unique space has been chosen as a Community Beacon in our city, and I am excited to see us engage and involve our local community in such a momentous event, the first time a British monarch has marked a Platinum Jubilee”, said CJ Bishop, Community Manager at the National Space Centre.
At next Thursday’s event, seven brand new dance pieces inspired by the seven decades of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, will also be performed each choreographed by Moving Together Creative Dance Company.
The dances will feature chart hits from each of the decades, including Bill Haley & His Comets – (We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock and Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now.
The event will celebrate Leicester’s diversity by bringing together students from different communities to perform the dances, each of which have been inspired by a variety of cultures from across the globe, including Indian influenced pop songs such as Jai Ho!
One of the schools taking part in the Platinum Jubilee is Fosse Mead Primary Academy.
Principal Jay Virk said: “The children have been practicing for weeks to perfect their dance routine to an Elvis medley and the excitement definitely has been mounting. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to work with talented dancers at Moving Together and to be part of a very special celebration at the National Space Centre.”
Families of the children participating in ‘dance through the decades’ will be invited to join the celebrations at the National Space Centre from 19:00 as they explore the Centre, take part in craft activities and watch the performances amongst the galleries, as well as the culmination of the event as we illuminate our Rocket Tower to form Leicester’s futuristic and iconic beacon. The Rocket Tower will be lit by Michael Kapur Esq OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire.
Darcy Kitchener, Head of Engagement at Moving Together, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with the National Space Centre to provide such an exciting opportunity for 100 local children and young people attending schools within The Mead Educational Trust. Children from across seven institutions have been engaging in weekly dance activity, creating performance pieces to represent the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.
“Many participants have never visited the Space Centre before, so this experience is extremely special for them and their families. Creativity, musicality, expression and physical fitness have driven the dance sessions, with groups benefiting from new approaches to teamwork, social interaction and community cohesion. I can’t wait to see the participant’s hard work, commitment and sense of fun come to life when they perform their incredible work at the National Space Centre.”
