Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), the not-for-profit organisation behind Visit Newbury, is welcoming the artist Luke Jerram’s remarkable installation, the Museum of the Moon, to Newbury this summer, in partnership with the Corn Exchange. This captivating artwork will be the centrepiece of the BID’s Festival of the Moon, a town-wide celebration taking place from 15 August to 3 September.

The festival comes at the same time as Newbury was named the 12th friendliest place in the UK, according to a recent ranking by Booking.com. The town will be warmly inviting visitors from across the country to join in the festivities and experience this awe-inspiring installation firsthand.

Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon has garnered international acclaim since its debut in 2016, captivating audiences around the globe. This to-scale seven-meter sculpture of the Moon, created using stunning NASA images, will be suspended within the Corn Exchange’s main auditorium, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the intricately detailed lunar surface, including the rarely-seen dark side, thanks to the meticulous craftsmanship of this extraordinary artwork.

To enhance the immersive experience, the internally-lit installation will feature a surround sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones. With Debussy’s “Claire de Lune” and recordings of the moon landings, visitors will be transported into a breathtaking lunar world, merging art and nature in a profound manner.

In addition to the Museum of the Moon exhibition, Newbury BID is delighted to present the Festival of the Moon, in collaboration with local businesses. This festival will offer a diverse program of moon-inspired activities and events, ensuring there is something for everyone across the 3-week duration.

From well-being sessions and captivating talks to engaging storytelling and lunar-themed films, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Full details of the festival’s schedule will be shared in early summer.

“We are thrilled to bring Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon to Newbury and to organise the Festival of the Moon to enable local businesses to get on board and benefit directly from the additional footfall that the Museum of the Moon installation will bring in,” Alison Drummond, Operations Manager, Newbury BID, said. “This incredible installation and accompanying events will showcase our town’s commitment to the arts and our welcoming community spirit. We invite people from near and far to join us in this celestial celebration and immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of the Moon.

“The cost-of-living crisis has hit everyone hard and none more so than our much loved Newbury town centre, so we are therefore excited to arrange this installation and festival and thus further opportunities for both businesses, locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful market town this summer. We’re committed to delivering events to the town and supporting local businesses and tourism.”

Admission to the Museum of the Moon will be free, with various time slots available, including evening sessions, from Tuesday, August 15 to Sunday, September 3. Due to the expected high demand, it is recommended to book your visit in advance at www.cornexchangenew.com.

For more information about the Festival of the Moon and other exciting happenings in Newbury, please visit the Visit Newbury website at www.visitnewbury.org.