RESIDENTS turned out in astronomical numbers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Organisers estimate that over 5,500 people visited 'Moonbury' Rings over the course of the weekend - while 9,500 made the giant leap to see artist Luke Jerram’s internationally famous Museum of the Moon – a seven metre diameter giant moon, suspended and shining in the Corn Exchange. On Saturday crowds flocked to an open-air cinema event for space-themed family films, followed by a talk during the evening about the summer sky. Astronomer Kevin Quinn gave families, GCSE pupils and the more mature the opportunity to huddle around a telescope to gaze at celestial bodies.

On Sunday visitors learned 'How to be an Astronaught' at a free science funday that attracted almost 3,000 visitors to Maumbury Rings where they met astronomers, astrophysicists and rocket scientists.

The weekend was rounded off by a lantern parade and performance of 'Apollo – One Giant Leap' by Dorset composer Geof Edge. The musical and visual spectacular was enjoyed by a 2000-strong audience despite being rescheduled due to Friday's bad weather.

Mark Tattersall of Dorchester Arts said: “A year ago Moonbury Rings was just an idea inspired by Geof Edge’s wonderful music. To see it come to life was absolutely thrilling.

"The team behind the event has worked tirelessly and moved mountains to deal with challenges thrown at us by the weather.

"I hope the fantastic visitor numbers leads to more events of this kind in future.”

Emma Scott, community development officer for Dorchester Town Council and coordinator of the open air cinema and Learn to be an Astronaut events, said: “What a wonderful weekend and one I am sure many will remember in another 50 years.

"The events brought people of all ages together and the atmosphere over the weekend was wonderful.

"A little girl came up to me after the Astronaut event and said she was ‘inspired!’ Which sums up how I felt about the amazing Moonbury Rings celebrations too.”

Organisers said that the event was the result of months of planning and preparation by partners and community groups including Dorchester Arts, Dorchester Town Council, Institute of Physics,Thomas Hardye school and Dorchester Youth Extra.