Here at the Cathedral, we’re really looking forward to our space-themed programme of events that runs throughout October and the half-term holiday, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing,

The spectacular son et lumière Space Voyage, produced by Artistic Collaboration Luxmuralis, takes place from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November and promises to take visitors of all ages on a journey to the moon and stars and back. This stunning installation sees the facade of the building transformed into a visual journey to the Milky Way, and the Cathedral nave will become an ethereal galaxy as light and music fill the huge, ancient spaces. It includes a special installation to commemorate the moon landing using NASA imagery of the lunar surface that allows people to walk on the moon and take their very own ‘one small step’. Tickets have been selling fast and we’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone.

There’s also a whole host of activities for children and adults to enjoy in October, including a free intergalactic organ recital with music from the movies on Sunday 20 October; a fun Family Discovery Morning – Space: To the Trinity and Beyond! on Thursday 31 October, and, for all Doctor Who fans, a chance to explore six decades of The Doctor – and meet real daleks – at a fascinating interactive talk, Doctor Who – A Voyage in Space and Time, also on 31 October.

A very atmospheric service takes place on Sunday 27 October at 6.30pm, Mass on the Moon. Surrounded by the glow of candlelight and the sounds of contemporary music, the service will recall the moment that Buzz Aldrin received Holy Communion in the lunar module before taking those first, historic steps.

St Albans Museum + Gallery is also reaching for the stars this autumn in a collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics which will see a pop-up planetarium at the museum on 30 and 31 October.

Visitors are guaranteed to be dazzled by projections of the night sky in the inflatable dome, and the experience will be very popular and booking is essential at www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk. There will also be a new exhibition, Science in St Albans: Novum Organum Scientiarum, to explore, which will be celebrating some of the incredible scientists, who have lived and worked in St Albans and the surrounding district, including Stephen Hawking’s work on black holes.

And to round off the half term week on 2 November, St Albans Cathedral Fireworks Spectacular will be lighting up the skies above Verulamium Park. With a fantastic fireworks display, an out-of-this-world, space-themed soundtrack and tasty food and drink, it promises to be a brilliant night out – and every ticket sold helps to raise money for vital local charities – Youth Talk and the Hospice of St Francis.

So whatever day it is, and if you just fancy being a home-town tourist, the Cathedral is here for you, free to enter and free guided tours every day. And if you haven’t had a chance already, come and see the new Welcome Centre and the great new exhibition area that includes films, interactive displays, and, perhaps most fun of all, dressing up for all ages!

For details on all events this autumn and tickets to see Space Voyage, please visit the Cathedral website www.stalbanscathedral.org.