A Grand Day Out at Jodrell Bank
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
In partnership with Jodrell Bank and Aardman, we are inviting audiences to Jodrell Bank's incredible Space Dome auditorium to celebrate all things lunar in a family extravaganza of film, music and creativity this October half-term holiday weekend.
“We're thrilled to be partnering with Jodrell Bank for this half-term treat for the whole family” Claire Surman, General Manager, Carrot Productions
A Grand Day Out at Jodrell Bank
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026
Step into a world of wonder beneath the stars in the Space Dome at Jodrell Bank this October half-term for an unforgettable family day out.
At the heart of the day will be screenings of Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out in Jodrell Bank's Space Dome auditorium, with the film's iconic soundtrack performed live by our musicians as they bring Nick Park’s much-loved classic thrillingly to life.
Families can also choose to take part in an optional moon-themed creative workshop, with clay stations where children and adults alike can make their own plasticine moon. After each performance, you'll have the chance to meet the musicians and have a photograph with Wallace & Gromit in the stunning surroundings of Jodrell Bank.
Jodrell Bank Observatory
Located in a rural area of northwest England chosen due to being free from radio interference, Jodrell Bank is an internationally-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's leading radio astronomy observatories.
At the beginning of its use, in 1945, the property housed research on cosmic rays detected by radar echoes. Now operated by the University of Manchester, it stands as a landmark in modern astrophysics and a global pioneer in radio astronomy. The site is home to the iconic Lovell Telescope—one of the largest and most powerful steerable radio dish telescopes in the world.
For over seven decades, Jodrell Bank has played a pivotal role in space exploration, tracking early space probes, researching cosmic radiation, and studying deep-space phenomena such as pulsars, quasars, and distant galaxies.
About Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out
Fans of Aardman will love this screening of the classic film Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out, accompanied live by our ensemble of musicians.
In Nick Park’s first film featuring the famous duo, Wallace and Gromit set off on an extraordinary adventure when their search for cheese leads them all the way to the Moon. After a few mishaps with their homemade rocket, they land just in time for lunch — but a mysterious mechanical inhabitant is not quite as welcoming as they expect...
Performances:
There will be seven performances over the weekend:
Saturday 24 October 2026
12.00pm
1.30pm
2.45pm
Sunday 25 October 2026
10.30am (relaxed SEND performance)
12.00pm
1.30pm
2.45pm
Moon Model-Making Workshops
Get hands-on and creative with our Moon model-making workshops! For just £6 per person, add a fun, squishy extra to your day with access to our special Moon-themed clay station.
Designed especially for this event by model-making expert, Jim Parkyn, these relaxed, self-led workshops give you everything you need to mould, squish and shape your very own Moon plasticine character — inspired by Wallace & Gromit’s lunar adventure.
A brilliant activity for children (and grown-ups!), and a perfect souvenir to take home.
Optional add-on. Limited spaces available.
Workshops:
There will be six workshops over the weekend:
Saturday 24 October 2026
1.15pm
2.45pm
4.00pm
Sunday 25 October 2026
1.15pm
2.45pm
4.00pm
Tickets:
Tickets have just gone live for this perfect half-term holiday treat for the whole family. All of the performances of our previous space-themed events 'A Grand Day Out at Chester Cathedral' and 'A Grand Day Out at Royal Observatory Greenwich' sold out, so we advise purchasing tickets soon to avoid disappointment.
In order to attend one of our shows and/or workshops, you will need to purchase an annual ticket giving you access to Jodrell Bank, and then also purchase an 'add-on' of your event ticket.
Your annual pass offers incredible value for money, and covers unlimited standard entry to all four main pavilions (including the Lovell Telescope, First Light Pavilion, Space Pavilion, and Star Pavilion), the 35-acre grounds and cafe, exhibitions, daily talks, and many of the planetarium-style immersive shows inside the First Light Auditorium for a full year.
Jodrell Bank currently have a summer discount offer on their annual passes:
Online Annual Pass Prices (includes 10% discount)
Adults (18+): £15.00
Children (Aged 4–17): £10.50
Seniors (65+) & Students: £12.70
Under 4s: FREE
Carers / Personal Assistants: FREE
Meet the musicians
After each performance families can chat with the musicians, see their instruments up-close and learn what it's like to play them.
You can even request a favourite tune for the musicians to play, and enjoy your own music request!
Have your photo taken with Wallace & Gromit
The fabulous duo, Wallace & Gromit will be joining us at each performance, to add to the magic and fun.
There will be the chance to have your photo taken with the iconic pair against the stunning backdrop of Jodrell Bank.
Enjoy a visit to Jodrell Bank:
Key attractions included with your ticket
The Lovell Telescope
Get up close to the iconic, world-famous 76-metre radio telescope. You can walk around its base, take photos, and learn about its history in tracking space probes and mapping the deep universe.
The First Light Pavilion
Explore this award-winning, grass-topped dome building. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibitions detailing the story of radio astronomy, Jodrell Bank’s rich heritage, and the pioneers who built it.
The Space Pavilion
Enjoy hands-on, family-friendly exhibits where you can experiment with soundwaves, create radio signals, and learn how scientists listen to signals from distant stars and galaxies.
The Star Pavilion
Step inside for temporary exhibitions, special displays, and space-themed events throughout the year.
Outdoor Arboretum, Gardens & Grounds
Explore 35 acres of beautiful grounds, including the Jodrell Bank Arboretum, tree-lined walking trails, and open picnic lawns directly under the shadow of the giant telescope.
Daily Science Shows & Talks
Catch live, family-friendly science demonstrations and expert explainer talks running regularly throughout the day (subject to daily schedules).
The Whispering Dishes
Test out the acoustic fun of the famous outdoor Whispering Dishes—stand across from a friend and whisper into the parabolic dish to hear them clearly from yards away!
Address:
Jodrell Bank, Bomish Lane, Lower Withington, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DW
It truly is the perfect place for A Grand Day Out and thanks to your annual pass, you will be able to return as many times as you like throughout the year to enjoy all that Jodrell Bank has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming our audiences on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026.
“This show has been specially designed to give families the perfect chance to enjoy time together in a very special location during the half-term holidays!” Rachel Whibley, Managing Director, Carrot Productions
Copyright © Aardman Animations Ltd. All rights reserved.
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