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Special Events

 

Our Events

Special Events

Visit Sherwood Observatory for our special events. These are special features that are not part of our normal programming and may be suitable for professional audiences or the general public. Please check each event description for more details.

Chris Miggells - The Piano Experience

** Extra date added due to demand! **

 

Chris Miggells, as seen on Channel 4’s new season of ‘The Piano’, returns to Sherwood Observatory with his highly anticipated show, The Piano Experience™. This Candle-lit concert is performed live within our restored Victorian reservoir space, which features our NEW Solar System and rocket exhibitions. The acoustics within this setting are particularly unique! Miggells’ reservoir performances in 2025 sold out quickly and received high praise from those who attended.

As featured on BBC, ITV, Ch4 and described by Notts TV as “the Banksy of the piano world,” Miggells is best known for his album Synesthese, featuring the iconic tracks Stone Giant, Flight of the Phoenix, and Aurora. These compositions are inspired by elemental forces and transformed through his experience of synesthesia. With a growing catalogue and a fiercely individual vision, Miggells has rapidly established a reputation in the modern classical realm with live performances that push the boundaries of traditional concert experiences. Book now to secure your seats.

There are also a limited number of tickets for a pre-concert planetarium show, should you wish to enhance your experience even further!

Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices are: £34.50, with an optional planetarium show for only £5.00

 

Book Now

Special Guest Speaker - Rolf Williams. The Space Shuttle - The World's Most Complex Flying Machine.

Event Date: Saturday 12th September –  7pm

Join us at Sherwood Observatory Planetarium where Rolf Williams will be giving a fascinating and motivational lecture about making your dreams come true, and sharing his first-hand account of the historic Space Shuttle program.

Illustrated with unique images, astronaut interviews, audio and video recordings, this presentation will take you right into the heart of Space Shuttle launch operations spanning 23 years. The talk references Rolf’s unique collection of Space Shuttle hardware and memorabilia which has been kindly loaned to us, and is on display in the Science Centre’s exhibition area.

Rolf’s presentation will conclude with a presenter-led live night sky tour, also held in the Planetarium.

Tickets are £8.50 for an adult, £7 for a child (4-15)

Please note that under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Book Now

Rhiannon's Dream - A Celebration of the Songs of Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac

Step into a world of mystery, magic, and timeless music with Rhiannon’s Dream, a breathtaking concert experience celebrating the legendary songs, stories, and spirit of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.

Bringing these iconic songs to life is acclaimed vocalist and actress Tina Hall, star of the hit touring production Tina’s Ultimate Rock Show. Tina is also known for her television appearances in Family Affairs, Doctors, and the internationally acclaimed Netflix series Toy Boy. With stunning vocals, magnetic stage presence, and a deep affinity for the emotion and mythology woven throughout Stevie’s music, Tina captures the passion, power, and ethereal spirit that have made Stevie Nicks one of rock’s most beloved and enduring icons.

Joining her is the exceptional Cyrus, acclaimed guitarist and Musical Director of Tina’s Ultimate Rock Show. His outstanding musicianship helps recreate the rich atmosphere, soaring emotion, and unforgettable energy of these classic songs.

Adding an extraordinary dimension to the experience is the planetarium’s spectacular full-dome visual presentation. As the music unfolds, audiences are surrounded by breathtaking journeys through the cosmos, immersed beneath stunning celestial landscapes, galaxies, and astronomical wonders projected across the entire dome. This seamless fusion of music and visual artistry creates a truly unique and unforgettable immersive experience.

Experience the songs. Feel the magic. Follow the dream beneath the stars.

Tickets are £28 each – please note that under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

 

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Queen Heaven - The Original

Queen Heaven has been featured in planetaria around the world from Germany to Japan – and now you can see it in here at Sherwood Observatory!

This extraordinary 360 degree show, originally produced in 2001 features the best of Queen’s music, including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’; ‘We Will Rock You’; ‘Radio Gaga’ and ‘We are the Champions’, combining classic music videos, immersive visuals and archive footage.

This show has been approved by Queen and inspired by their music, and as such, contains non-astronomy content. It contains some visuals which may cause some people to feel a sensation of movement.

This show is primarily entertainment rather than educational. Also, due to the duration of this show it will not be followed by a presenter talk or Q&A.

Runtime – approx 80mins

Suitable for viewers aged 13 and over only. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are £17.00 for this show.

 

***Note: Contains flashing imagery which may affect those who are photo-sensitive.***
Book Now

Sherwood Discovery Hour

Curious about Sherwood Observatory but not ready to book a planetarium show? Now’s your chance to explore with our brand-new Discovery Hour!

Many of you said you’d love to just pop in to buy a coffee, have a browse around the Science Centre and its exhibitions, and soak up the atmosphere without committing to a full show. So, we’ve made it happen.

For just £3.50 per adult and £2 per child, you’ll enjoy an hour to:

🌍 Explore our interactive space and science exhibition, with a special visiting display from Rolf Williams and Mark Exon
☕ Relax with a drink, enjoy space books and views of the surrounding area from our café
🚀 Discover what Sherwood Observatory is all about, ask our in-house team any questions about what’s on
👨‍👩‍👧 Meet up with friends and family in inspiring surroundings
♿ Enjoy our fully accessible centre at your own pace when it’s a little calmer, great for those of us who like our own space

Whether you’re a local, a space enthusiast, passing by, or simply looking for somewhere different to catch up over a cuppa, Discovery Hour is the perfect opportunity to experience the Centre in a quiet, relaxed, informal way.

📅 These sessions will take place between Midday and 1pm monthly to start with, with more dates to come if demand allows.

🎟️ Advance booking is essential, so reserve your place and come and discover a world of science, space and exploration right on your doorstep!

 

Book Now

Sherwood Observatory Guest Speaker Sessions

Join us for an engaging evening with a guest speaker from the world of astronomy.

Featured regularly, each event which is held in our planetarium, introduces a different speaker and a new topic, offering a chance to discover fascinating ideas, explore the latest developments in astronomy, and hear from knowledgeable enthusiasts and professionals.

Details of the speaker and their presentation will be announced on our social media channels ahead of each event.

Whether you’re a lifelong astronomy enthusiast or simply curious about the night sky and how we perceive it, everyone is welcome.

Please note that this is not a full-dome 360 degree presentation.

Ticket prices are £9.50 each.

Follow our social media channels and sign up to our newsletter for regular announcements and event details.

Book Now

UK Astronomy's Guide to the Solar System - Talk and Planetarium Show

Join us, in collaboration with Dr Ross Hockham, co-founder of UK Astronomy for an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the mysteries of our solar system and its celestial wonders. Learn about our solar system – from the Sun all the way out to dwarf planet Pluto, with pics from UK Astronomy members, and from beginners to NASA images.

With fun facts about each and how to see them in your skies. Using inflatable planets for hands on education, the talk is perfect for all budding Astronomers!

Following the talk there will be a full dome show of “We Are Stars” in our state-of-the-art planetarium.

The cafe will be open for hot & cold drinks and snacks from 6pm prior to the talk that begins at 6.45pm

There will be another opportunity to get cold drinks & snacks at 7.45pm during the intermission.

For Ages 4 and over.

 

COMING SOON

One Small Step: A Creative Writing Workshop

Join local poet and writer Fiona Theokritoff to do some writing that’s out of this world!

For inspiration, you’ll watch CAPCOM Go! This film outlines the astonishing successes of the Apollo program during the 1960s: detailing achievements that led up to Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk in 1969.

You’ll have access to the exhibition onsite. This treasure trove of original newspaper coverage, information, models and other items, highlights the people who worked tirelessly to develop Space Race technology.

Fiona will also guide you through some light-hearted activities and writing exercises to give you creative lift off! 🚀

Suitable for beginners as well as those who have done creative writing before, aged 16 and over

 

***COMING SOON***