Wow, this is one mega event that can’t be missed. If you haven’t booked your free tickets to tomorrow’s event being organised by Quay Arts at the former rocket testing facility yet, you’d better get your skates on.
Quay Arts 2010 Open winner Katayoun Dowlatshahi has created Orbit – a new body of artwork for The West Gallery, Quay Arts, inspired by a former Cold War rocket testing site on the Island.
With the support of National Trust, Astrium, Mullard – Space Science Laboratory and Arts Council England, she has co-ordinated a live event taking place tomorrow (Friday 28 Oct 2011), between 1pm and dusk at West High Down, formally a secret Cold War rocket testing site, to mark the 40th Anniversary of Prospero – the only British built satellite to be placed into Earth’s orbit atop a British built rocket – Black Arrow, which was built and tested on the Island.
See working pulse jet rockets
For the first time since the closure of the site in 1971, the event will see the return of working pulse jet rockets to the site by 11 apprentices from Astrium* in Portsmouth.
The launch of a scale model of Black Arrow; three eminent speakers covering topics ranging from a historical, scientific and business perspective; a memory wall for those associated with the British Space Programme to contribute to either in the form of memories or artefacts; interactive activities for all ages, finally leading to a lantern launch at dusk.
For full details of the day’s programme, see the listing on Events OnTheWight.
The event is free but we ask you to book through Quay Arts Box Office on 01983 822490 or by emailing [email protected]
You can pre-book a return journey on a private coach from Ryde to Newport to visit the exhibition before travelling on to West High Down. For more information about costs and times please contact Quay Arts Box Office.
Photo Credit: Black Arrow launch from National Trust Archives, West High Down.
