Hundreds get all starry-eyed at Lacock (From Wiltshire Times)

Hundreds get all starry-eyed at Lacock

3:00pm Saturday 21st January 2012 in Chippenham

Hundreds of people of all ages visited Lacock on Wednesday night to take part in an interactive stargazing evening.

The historic village was playing host to a BBC Stargazing Live event for the second time, to tie in with a series of TV programmes hosted by Professor Brian Cox and Dara O’Briain.

Despite clear skies earlier in the week, cloud on Wednesday hid the real stars from view, but there were plenty of activities to enjoy.

On the playing fields star storytellers told myths and legends about the different constellations, while in the Village Hall people could handle pieces of real meteorites, examine telescopes and chat to experts.

Throughout the evening talks on a wide variety of subjects were held, including discovering planets, life in outer space, and astro photography.

Rebecca Graham, from Melksham, was there with her sons Sam, 11, and James, nine. She said: “It’s been a good night so far. It’s obviously a shame the stars aren’t out tonight, but the boys have been enjoying themselves.”

Earlier in the afternoon, school pupils had the opportunity to enjoy their own stargazing experience.

Classes from Shaw, Lacock and Forest and Sandridge primary schools visited the village to take part in four space workshops.

In the Tithe Barn pupils explored a mobile planetarium, helped programme robots and built their own rockets, which they later fired into the skies.

Teacher Anna Jackson, from Lacock Primary, said:“The activities have been extremely engaging and educational while the children have also had a lot of fun.”

The children were taught to make their rockets by Dark Sky Wales who run a series of workshops for young people across Britain.

Manager Allan Trow said: “The kids have been magnificent today, it has been fantastic to see how enthusiastic they have been and how much they’ve enjoyed learning about building rockets.

“It is extremely satisfying for us to see them enjoying the day and we are really honoured to be involved with the BBC Stargazing event.”

The children were allowed to take home their rockets and information books.

Event organiser Trish Campbell said: “We thought it was really important to have the local schools come down and have the opportunity to enjoy the lectures and workshops. I’m pleased that the children enjoyed the day and they’ve all done very well.”