VISITORS can take one small step into a popular visitor spot to enjoy a weekend of space themed activities - and it all kicks off today (19).

Dorchester Arts' weekend of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the first moon landings will see Maumbury Rings turned into 'Moonbury Rings' until Sunday.

However some alterations have been made to the line up ahead of a turn in the weather.

Due to predicted torrential weather conditions including the likelihood of thunder and lightning, Friday’s Apollo – One Giant Leap lantern parade and concert has been postponed.

The event will now take place on Sunday, July 21 (gates open at 6pm) after Sunday’s Be An Astronaut Day.

But there's nothing to be glum about as between 12pm and 5pm, one of the highlights of the festival - Luke Jerram’s Museum Of The Moon - will be open to visit.

Due to the weather forecast, it has been moved to Dorchester’s historic Corn Exchange. It will also be open to visit between 10am and 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday sees the return of the popular open air cinema event - which, of course, has a space theme this year. The screenings will begin at 4pm with Wallace and Gromit in 'A Grand Day Out', following by Wall-E at 4.30pm, and rounding off with Apollo 13 at 6.45pm.

Gates open at 2pm for visitors to find a spot to put their blankets and chairs. There will be hot dogs, vegetarian food, candy floss, popcorn, ice cream and more on sale to complete the cinema experience.

And on Saturday evening, visitors are invited to join Kevin Quinn, an experienced local astronomer, at 10pm at Maiden Castle car park for a free talk about the summer night sky. Beginners and astronomers of all levels are welcome.

To book a place people can sign up at the information stall, either on Friday during the Apollo 11 event or on Saturday at the cinema event.

Budding astronomers will have the chance to learn to identify key celestial bodies – and enjoy the opportunity to look through a high quality telescope.

Visitors are urged to go suitably dressed for the weather – if it is looking cloudy or wet the event will be rescheduled – check the Moonbury Rings Facebook page for updates.

On Sunday, there will be a third free event called ‘Learn to be an Astronaut’ - a science fun day running from noon until 4pm. This event is hosted by the Institute of Physics, Thomas Hardye School and Dorchester Town Council.

Head along and take part in a range of ‘tests’ involving local scientists and learn about what it takes to be an astronaut.

Offering more than 30 activities, scientists will be able to test their eyesight, handle a meteorite, look through a special telescope at the sun and learn to speak Russian.

And for aspiring rocket scientists there will be a rocket zone with the opportunity to build a range of rockets from household items – and test out how they fly.

Visitors will get to meet astronomers, astrophysicists, chemists, engineers, physicists, mathematicians and rocket scientists – and find out how they could get started in a job that involves space.

There will also be refreshments on sale at this event, but families are also welcome to take a picnic.

Dorchester Arts is encouraging people to come in space themed dress – so dust off your Star Trek outfits, put on your spacesuits, or go dressed as an alien.

A special message recorded for the event by Kerry Bennet, the Flight Lieutenant who made it to the final 3three contestants of the BBC TV series ‘Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?’, will be broadcast.

Kerry, who still dreams of being an astronaut herself, will be wishing all budding astronauts well and encouraging them not to give up on their dreams.