Warminster over the moon for StarFest event

A Spectacular 3D moon installation has landed in Warminster, becoming the centrepiece of this year’s StarFest celebrations.

Suspended inside the Minster Church of St Denys, the 4.5-metre illuminated moon is wowing visitors as part of StarFest: The Moon at the Minster. The exhibition, which runs until Thursday 3rd April, has already provided a stunning backdrop for music performances, a film night and a children’s storytime session.

The installation is part of Warminster’s contribution to Cranborne Chase National Landscape’s annual StarFest, which encourages residents and visitors to look to the skies with a series of astronomy-themed events across the town. The festival has also featured an exhibition byaward-winning astrophotographer Josh Dury, a town-wide constellation trail, and popular planetarium shows.

A special launch event for the moon display was held on Wednesday 19th March, attended by Warminster Mayor Stacie Allensby, Westbury Mayor Jane Russ, town councillors and members of the church community.

Warminster Town Councillor Phil Keeble praised the efforts behind the exhibition, saying, “This started as an idea, a dream, by Councillor Liz Lee, and we worked together to make this happen. We only had a short while, and it was a lot of work, but I think the moon looks pretty good now it is here. Please do recommend a visit to your friends and family.”

Rev’d Susan Foster praised the “amazing” turnout at the launch and spoke of her excitement about welcoming people young and old into the Minster Church. She said, “What a joyful job I have, it’s really wonderful. Community is so important and any celebration of community has to be applauded. Thank you very much [to the Town Council] for choosing this space to hang your moon.”

Also in attendance was Wiltshire Councillor Andrew Davis, who described the exhibition as a “coup for the town.” He added, “I knew it was going to be big, and I had seen pictures, but it still surprised me. You’ve got to come and see it for real.”

As part of StarQuest, a town trail competition is still under way until Wednesday 2nd April. Residents can pi

ck up a trail from the Civic Centre or print it off at home from the Warminster Town Council website then walk around the town to spot 10 constellations.

Once all of them have been found, people can come to the Civic Centre to pick up a participation prize as well as being entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a telescope.