If things are getting a bit hectic and fraught over the Easter holidays, why not treat yourself to some space. You can even include the family and friends as well, as the Leodis Space Agency has taken over the city centre until 14th April. Everything is free but, as some features are only on at certain times or dates, when you are organising your trip you had better planet carefully. Oh yes, there are lots more of those to come.
The fun starts the moment you step off the train as the concourse of the rail terminus is home to the International Space Station – see what they did there. It is suspended from a gantry so is stationary – see what I did there – probably why it is outside W H Smith.
Don’t get too excited, the Ticket sign is only for the trains, unless you are Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or Richard Branson of course.
Crossing Boar Lane will bring you to Trinity Centre where there will be a Lunar Module as well as a Craft Station. I don’t know if that is a spacecraft station, you will just have to go along and find out.
The Merrion Centre plays host to the Alien Zoo. This photograph was provided by Chapter81 as there is no way I am going anywhere near these fearsome looking critters.
Briggate sees a lot going on, or going off, as it is the launch site. In the background you can see the cutting edge technology used for the countdown. There will also be the odd astronaut around at various times.
If you are in town at dusk, or later, you can marvel at how the event has been timed to coincide with the alignment of the planets in the main shopping thoroughfare – genius.
The best trick is the ability to view the Earth – from the Earth!
Should you ever decide to take a trip to a far-off world and are wondering how you will manage for food, then fear not, all you need is a very powerful wifi signal and the Deliveroo guy will be there in no time.
My only disappointment with the planetary set up is the boozing. I checked out the Red Planet, but no luck, it seems as though there is no such thing as a Mars Bar, and the ale house on the Moon was rubbish – all together now – it had no atmosphere whatsoever.
For full (sensible) details of what to expect on your Star Trek then blast off to https://welcometoleeds.co.uk/leodis-space-agency
If you encounter any difficulties such as those faced by the crew of Apollo 13, a help centre has been set up at one of Leeds’ reservoirs, simply get on your intergalactic radio and say ‘Fewston, we have a problem!’
Unless otherwise stated, all photographs are by Stan Graham
Tyke It To The Limit 