The windy British weather has led to a change of location for one part of Dorchester’s moon landing celebrations this weekend.

Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon will now be presented inside Dorchester’s historic Corn Exchange to ensure that the experience isn’t marred by predictions of high winds.

The Museum of The Moon will be open at Dorchester Corn Exchange from 12pm to 5pm on Friday July 19, and 10am to 8pm on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21. Entry is free.

Alongside the Museum of the Moon, Dorchester is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with a weekend of free lunar-themed events for the community at Maumbury Rings from Friday to Sunday and all of these events will go ahead exactly as planned.

Dorchester Arts’ Artistic Director Mark Tattersall said: “We decided to bring the Moon indoors because we want as many people as possible to have the wonderful experience of seeing it on this very special weekend and don’t want the wind to spoil the party. This way we can guarantee the opening hours and no one will be disappointed. The Corn Exchange gives people a chance to get up-close and personal with the Moon in darkened space, with specially-commissioned music adding to the atmosphere. The plans for the whole Moonbury Rings event from Friday to Sunday are coming together wonderfully, with music, cinema and science events for all to enjoy”

Dorchester Town Clerk Adrian Stuart said: “I have seen the Museum of the Moon indoors and it’s a magical spectacle. This way we have the best of both worlds: fantastic, indoor and outdoor events without the risk of one major exhibit not appearing because of the weather - and all free to attend”

Dorchester Arts and Dorchester Town Council have been working with the presenters of the massively successful Dorset Moon and the decision is partly based on their experiences over recent weeks.

For up to date information about any of the events, go to the website at www.moonburyrings.co.uk or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/moonburyrings