Flights of Fantasy in a nostalgic weekend at RAF Cosford.
This May, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be transporting its visitors back to the sixties and seventies with a weekend devoted to classic British sci-fi. This nostalgic event, located in the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition, will display puppets and memorabilia from iconic science fiction shows created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson; with visitors having the unique opportunity to view puppets of much loved characters including the Thunderbirds, Joe 90, Steve Zodiac, the heroic pilot of Fireball XL5, Captain Scarlet and his evil nemesis Captain Black, and the Terrahawks, to name but a few.
These characters inspired the dreams of a generation of children when the sci-fi series were broadcast into family homes. Many of the well-known puppets on display are original studio puppets which will be shown exclusively for the very first time at this weekend event. Also on display are models, costumes, full sized vehicles and sets from the classic live action shows Space 1999 and UFO. For anyone wishing to take home a piece of memorabilia, trade stands will also be present with associated merchandise from these legendary shows.
In addition to the free sci-fi exhibition, guest speakers will be holding talks and question & answer sessions for a limited number of visitors. Star guest will be the renowned Sylvia Anderson, co-creator, producer and the voice of Lady Penelope. She said of the event: “I am so looking forward to attending in May. I feel privileged to be able to share this with so many of our loyal supporters, alongside precious members of our team, who were all part of the magic at that special time, at the birth of our creations.”
Taking place in the National Cold War Exhibition’s bunker style Lecture Theatre, visitors will be able to meet other guests including: Brian Johnson, Alan Shubrook, Tony Day, Mary Turner and Judith Shutt. Together these pioneering creators, model makers, producers, puppeteers and special effects designers bought to life many of the world’s most popular sci-fi shows. Guests will talk about their outstanding careers and give people an insight into what it was really like to make these iconic shows before answering questions from the audience.
Admission to the talks and Q&A sessions both days is strictly by advance ticket only and a limited number of spaces are available. One day Q&A session tickets cost £25.00, weekend tickets cost £40.00 and are now available to purchase from the Museum’s website. Ticket price includes entrance to the special guest talks and a free parking pass. (The talks are not suitable for children under five and timings are to be confirmed). Viewing the sci-fi exhibition is free of charge and suitable for all ages.
The Cosford Flights of Fantasy event will be open to the public on 17th and 18th May from 10:00am and admission is free of charge. To purchase tickets to the special guest talks and Q&A sessions please visit: www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. For further details about the Cosford Flights of Fantasy exhibition please call 01902 376200.
