Leicester to become a city-wide solar system this spring in new planet trail

Leicester is set to transform into a city-sized solar system this spring as a new family trail brings art, science and creativity together across the city centre.

Planet Parade, presented by the National Space Centre in partnership with BID Leicester, with support from the DMU Engagement Community Challenge Fund, lands in the city centre from 30 March until the end of May, perfectly timed for the Easter holidays.

The free trail invites families to explore a model of our solar system, with planets installed at venues across the city centre. The ‘Sun’ will be located at the National Space Centre, with each planet positioned across the city from the central point, turning Leicester into a walkable solar system.

Each planet has been co-created by local artists working alongside around 250 schoolchildren, blending space science with creative expression. The result is a vibrant, multidisciplinary interpretation of the eight planets that celebrates Leicester’s rich space heritage while showcasing the city’s young talent. Families can follow the trail using the My Leicester App, unlocking prizes when they complete the full route. Up for grabs are a £200 Leicester Gift Card, a family ticket to the National Space Centre, and a large Ziggy astronaut toy. Every completed trail in the app can also collect a Ziggy badge from the National Space Centre. Paper maps will be available at each planet location, allowing children to tick off each stop as they go. Planet locations include Jewry Wall, Leicester Cathedral, Haymarket Shopping Centre, Phoenix, Curve, and Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, with every stop featuring interactive elements alongside fascinating space facts. The trail launches with a public community celebration on 30 March, starting with a parade at 4:30pm from Leicester Cathedral to Haymarket Shopping Centre. From 5– 6pm, a programme of performances and activities will follow, featuring young dancers and musicians from Moving Together and Pedestrian, fusing space, dance and music in a high-energy launch event. The trail aims to inspire local audiences through creativity, science and collaboration while raising awareness of Leicester’s internationally recognised space heritage. Chas Bishop, Chief Executive of the National Space Centre, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with the BID team on this amazing project. Planet Parade brings together creativity, education and community in a way that’s uniquely Leicester. By working with local artists and schools, we’re giving children a fun and accessible entry point into space science while celebrating the city’s proud space heritage.”

BID Leicester Director Simon Jenner said: “By encouraging thousands of families to take part in this free, educational city adventure, we hope to inspire and raise awareness of Leicester’s leading role in space exploration, whilst also encouraging smaller scale exploration of the city centre. We’re proud to fund Planet Parade and help bring this project to life, showcasing Leicester’s incredible space story and creativity.” The project is also supported by the University of Leicester, one of the world’s leading institutions in space research. A special blog written by space scientist Leigh Fletcher explains how Leicester-based research has shaped what we know about each planet, helping young explorers connect the trail to real science.

The trail is completely free and open to all. Families can download the My Leicester App to start their journey from 30 March to 31 May: bidleicester.co.uk/myleicesterapp Follow the trail online and on social media using #PlanetParade, or find out more at planetparade.co.uk