Skip to main content
Newsletter Sign up newsletter signup

Space Park Leicester experts to attend final farewell of Rockets Round Leicester event

Experts from Space Park Leicester will be on hand to promote the opportunities available at Leicester’s new £100 million facility at the final farewell of the Rockets Round Leicester trail.

Over the weekend of 9th and 10th October, scientists and sculptors will come together at a special Farewell Weekend, sponsored by the University of Leicester, taking place at the National Space Centre. 

The stellar fleet of spectacular rockets on display at locations across the city this summer, will be exhibited one last time before being auctioned to raise money for event organisers, LOROS Hospice. The money raised will support the hospice to care for 2,500 terminally ill patients and their families across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland each year.

Relaxing Rocket, designed by artist Betti Moretti, inspired by Sir David Attenborough and Richard Attenborough CBE, sponsored by the University of Leicester and Space Park Leicester

Representatives from Space Park Leicester will share details of the collaboration between University researchers and the private sector and how it is helping to create high quality knowledge-based jobs and learning opportunities in the space sector.

The trail of 40 giant rockets and junior jets, designed to highlight the city’s space heritage, is the biggest art event the city has ever seen.

Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at University of Leicester, said: “The magnificent Rockets Round Leicester has been an exciting and vibrant addition to the city’s landscape during the summer, and reflects perfectly the city’s key place in space. The final farewell event provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things associated with space and raise money for a well-deserved charity.

“All of the giant sculptures can be viewed together in one place and there will be experts on hand to answer questions about the city’s latest project dedicated to the space sector – Space Park Leicester.”

Space Park Leicester has been designed to support increased collaboration between University of Leicester researchers and educators and the private sector, creating high quality knowledge-based jobs, building the skills base through training and contributing to economic growth and resilience of the economy.

The project is led by the University of Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Major Tom, created by artist Sally Adams

Professor Davies added: “Experts will be on site to talk about its unique offering of collaborative work between university researchers and the private sector, find out more about exciting projects at the £100 million facility and what this means for the city of Leicester, the sector and the rest of the UK.”

Representatives from Space Park Leicester, with giveaways, will be found at a dedicated stand on site.

Tickets for the event cost just £5 each or £18 for a family ticket of four. Under twos go free. 

Want to take a rocket home to keep forever? You can! If you’re considering bidding for one of the giant rocket sculptures at a charity auction event on 13th October, the Final Farewell event is your last opportunity to take a closer look. 

For further information and tickets click here.