Cronton Sun, Moon and Stars

On Sunday 16 October ‘Cronton Sun, Moon and Stars’ celebrated Cronton’s rich links to stargazing and astronomy with a series of free family events as part of Knowsley’s year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture and every town and village telling their story.

Planets in the Pasture

‘Planets in the Pasture’, was a fully immersive experience transporting the audience through the night sky. Featuring an outdoor planetarium made up of a glowing inflatable solar system by GLOW Inflatables as well as star lanterns created by both local schoolchildren from Cronton C of E Primary School and art students from Cronton Sixth Form College, with support from local artist Becky Bryson

An accompanying soundtrack was produced by arts collective ‘Friend or Foe’ in collaboration with the local community, taking audiences on a journey into space with an astronomical adventure story written and narrated by children from Cronton C of E Primary School with help from local artist Frankie Gold. The accompanying soundscape was created by the Cronton Brownies with help from ‘Friend or Foe’ and narration from David Galvin of the Liverpool Astronomical Society, who are based in the Pex Hill Observatory in Cronton.

The Hare and the Moon

A cultural tale for all the family, The Hare & The Moon led the audience on a journey all the way to the far east of Asia. The show, by theatre specialists The Fabularium featured astronomers, animal characters, magical puppets, enchanting music, and a stunning visual set glowing with lanterns and illuminations for audiences young and old.

Bitesize astronomy talks

Liverpool Astronomical Society lifted the lid on some of the mysteries of space with a series of short lectures covering topics such as ‘The Moon’, ‘The Stars’ and even one dedicated to Charles Leadbetter, the son of a sundial maker who was born in Cronton in 1681 and become a well-known mathematician, navigator and astronomer.

These 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.