Cronton became the centre of the known universe this weekend thanks to a series of space-themed events celebrating the villages historic links to stargazing and astronomy through ‘Cronton Sun, Moon and Stars’, which welcomed more than 1,500 visitors across the evening.
On Sunday 16 October, Cronton Pasture played host to a large-scale model of our solar system in an event entitled ‘Planets in the Pasture’. Audiences were invited to come and observe the illuminated inflatables whilst listening to a narrative and soundscape created by children from the local community with support from arts collective Friend or Foe and local artist Frankie Gold.
As well as having close contact with the larger-than-life planetarium, visitors encountered friendly alien performers and were able to see ornately decorated paper lanterns which were created by local school children, with help from students at Cronton Sixth Form College and community artist Becky Bryson.
In addition to ‘Planets in the Pasture’, theatre specialists The Fabularium performed ‘The Hare and the Moon’ at Holy Family Social Club, a family production telling the folk tale of Leapa the brave Arctic Hare who rescued the sun, brought the light back to the day and made the night sky glow. The captivating performance featured music, animal head pieces and puppetry.
Liverpool Astronomical Society hosted a series of ‘bitesize’ astronomy talks for audiences of all ages. The group, who are based in the Leighton Observatory on Pex Hill in Cronton covered topics including ‘The Moon’ ‘The Stars’ and the life and works of Charles Leadbetter, a renowned mathematician, navigator and astronomer who was born in Cronton in the late 1600’s.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “Throughout our Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture Year we have given every town and village in Knowsley the opportunity to tell their own story. Cronton has such significant links to the stars and night sky, both in its past and its present. ‘Cronton Sun, Moon and Stars’ was a magical exploration of our solar system, and the myths and legends that surround it.
“It was amazing that the community were so involved in the creation of this event, particularly the school children and college students who created the beautiful lanterns and the local Brownie group who worked on the soundscape. The whole event should be a source of enormous community pride!”
‘Cronton Sun, Moon and Stars’ was part of Knowsley’s celebrations in its year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture. The events were made possible – thanks to National Lottery players -with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – alongside funding from the Liverpool City Region, The Metro Mayor and Knowsley Council.
View the event gallery here:
