Celebrate Winter Solstice Season in stellar style this December at Jodrell Bank

Jodrell Bank celebrates the Winter Solstice with a packed programme of fascinating lectures and performances that make for a fun, festive day out filled with discovery this December.

Running from Fri 15 – Fri 22 Dec, Jodrell will open to the public for a series of special late sessions from 4.30pm – 9pm (Fri 15 will be a dedicated family session from 4.30pm – 7pm). Throughout the programme, visitors can take in two stunning exhibitions, immersive Dome Shows, kid’s craft activities, festive treats and incredible projections across the iconic First Light Pavilion.

There will also be several one-off events running alongside the Solstice programme. Amongst these on Sat 16 Dec is the ROYAL INSTITUTION CHRISTMAS LECTURES LIVE!, which sees Mike Wooldridge discussing the most important and rapidly evolving field of science today – Artificial Intelligence (AI). The session, which is aimed primarily at ages 11-18, though is suitable for anyone interested in the technology, will be streamed live from Jodrell.

On Sun 17 Dec, in collaboration with Creative Manchester, acclaimed author Alice Oswald hosts a reading of her incredible poetry. Oswald’s numerous honours include an Eric Gregory Award, an Arts Foundation Award for Poetry, a Forward Prize for Best Single Poem, and a Ted Hughes Award. In 2019, she also became the first woman to be appointed as Oxford University Professor of Poetry, a four-year tenure.

Following a string of sold-out dates throughout 2023, the spectacular Pink Floyd Dome Show returns for three awe-inspiring shows on Mon 18, Thu 21 and Fri 22, offering audiences the chance to take in the seminal album Dark Side of the Moon alongside spellbinding visuals of far-off galaxies.

On Tue 19 Dec, Prof. Tim O’Brien hosts his eye-opening lecture, The Art of Science. Tim will delve into the journey of discovery and exploration of the far-off exploding star RS Ophiuchi, embarking on an epic quest to learn more about the universe and how technology and art have allowed us to understand more than we ever thought was possible.

Finally, on Wed 20 Dec, Stonehenge: Solstices and Stones sees Mike Parker-Pearson present major discoveries from archaeological excavations, astronomy, ancient DNA, isotopes and geology all about the construction and use of the storied monument. Mike has spent more than two decades researching Stonehenge and has published six books on the subject.

You can find more information about Jodrell Bank’s upcoming Winter Solstice programme here.