The document announces various events around the UK celebrating the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin being the first human in space. Events include unveiling a statue of Gagarin in London, lectures at museums and societies about the history and impact of human spaceflight, film screenings of Russian films, and astronomy workshops for children.

1. CELEBRATE
50
YEARS
OF
12th April 2011 marks the 50th
anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s spaceflight.
It was the first time a human being had
gone into outer space and thus a huge
achievement for mankind. A series of
events are taking place around the UK.
HUMAN The following represents a selection,
with further information available
SPACEFLIGHT online at www.yurigagarin50.org
YURI GAGARIN STATUE FOR LONDON BOOKSHOP BARNIE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE: BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY GAGARIN WINE AND TALK EVENT ‘THE FIRST MAN IN ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH:
THE MALL, LONDON THE GALLERY, FOYLES BOOKSHOP, KINO RUSSIAN FILM LECTURE – 50 YEARS OF HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT – SPACE… AND THE MAN WHO PUT HIM THERE’ SATURDAY SPACE EXPLORERS
14 JULY 2011 TO JULY 2012 CHARING CROSS ROAD, LONDON PIONEERS LONDON KEY TURNING POINTS BY PIERS BIZONY ASTRONOMY CENTRE,
6:30 FOR DRINKS AND A 6:45 PM START, BFI SOUTHBANK, BELVEDERE ROAD, BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY, ROYAL ALBERT HALL, KENSINGTON GORE, BLACKHEATH AVE, LONDON, SE10 8XJ
The British Council, in partnership with the 12 APRIL SOUTH BANK, LONDON, SE1 8XT 27/29 SOUTH LAMBETH ROAD, LONDON, SW8 1SZ LONDON, SW7 2AP 30 APRIL, 28 MAY, 30 JULY,
Russian Space Agency, will install a sculpture of MAY – OCTOBER 2011 12 APRIL 2011 (7PM – 8.30 PM) 26 JUNE 2011 27 AUGUST 2011 (DROP IN SESSIONS
Yuri Gagarin on the Mall on 14 July. The sculpture Martin Sixsmith on "Russia: A 1,000-year Chronicle Booking information: tickets can be booked online BEGIN AT 2PM, 2.30PM, 3PM, 3.30PM,
will be officially unveiled by Yuri Gagarin’s of the Wild East". Martin was the BBC Moscow or call 020 7928 3232 Reflecting on the first 50 years of human space Piers Bizony, the author of the acclaimed first 4PM, 4.30PM)
daughter, Elena, and a number of Russian correspondent for almost twenty years and this Bfi.org.uk flight Dr David Baker will discuss critical periods, biography of Gagarin to appear in English after the
cosmonauts, among them Alexei Leonov, the first book explores Russia's story: from its foundation to some of which have not yet appeared in print, collapse of the Soviet Union, talks about the myth From finding planets in the night sky to predicting
man to walk in space, and Sergei Krikalev, the its modern incarnation. BFI Southbank is unveiling its most comprehensive but which are key to understanding the scientific and reality of the first cosmonaut in the world. the phases of the moon, these workshops offer an
current Director of Star City, will attend the Covering politics, music, literature and art, it season of Russian cinema yet. This major new six innovations of the past half century. BIS go Call 08450 401 5045. introduction to space and astronomy for younger
ceremony. Natalia Koroleva, daughter of Sergei accompanies the BBC's 50-part Radio 4 series, month overview, launching in May, will reveal why behind the scenes to examine the myths that veil Royalalberthall.com visitors. The workshops are drop-in events,
Korolev, Chief Designer of the Soviet space which marks the 20th anniversary of the Soviet cinema first set the world on fire in the the reality behind key decisions made over the providing opportunities to explore aspects of
programme, will also attend, and she and Krikalev dissolution of the USSR. This special Bookshop 1920s, influenced so many filmmakers and can still first 50 years of human space flight. NIGEL CLARK: ‘GAGARIN’ space using simple cardboard kits that children
will both give lectures at the Science Museum Barnie is held in association with the British surprise us today. The season will be explored in Booking information: To book call 020 7735 3160 ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES can take away and use at home.
during their visits to London. Council as part of the Russia-themed London Book three parts: Bis-spaceflight.com UK-WIDE Booking information: call 020 8312 6608 or
The sculpture comes from the small town of Fair 2011 bookings@nmm.ac.uk
Lubertsy, just outside Moscow, where Gagarin Kino: early classic Russian cinema INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND Composer Nigel Clarke has created three new works Nmm.ac.uk/visits/events
attended vocational school between the ages of ASTROTALKS : 1 TECHNOLOGY YURI GAGARIN LECTURE - to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Manned
15-16. The date has been chosen to coincide with ONLINE INTERVIEW Kosmos: a journey into Russian and Soviet science A CELEBRATION OF MANNED SPACE Space Flight: ‘Road to the Stars’ , which focuses SECRET SATELLITES: AISLING O’BEIRN
Gagarin’s visit to London 50 years ago– he had HTTP://WWW.ASTROTALKUK.ORG fiction to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of FLIGHT - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE on the excitement of those involved, the strength (ARTIST) AND MARK BAILEY
lunch with the Queen on 14 July – and the FROM 9 APRIL 2011 Yuri Gagarin’s venture into space. IET LONDON: SAVOY PLACE, of Gagarin’s character and the launch itself, and (DIRECTOR OF ARMAGH OBSERVATORY)
sculpture will remain on the Mall for 12 months. 2 SAVOY PLACE, LONDON, WC2R 0BL ‘Orbit’ , which looks at the exhilaration that IN CONVERSATION
The British Council will also mount an Two days after Yuri Gagarin's historic space flight Sukurov: the career to date of a modern Russian TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2011 (6PM – 8PM) Gagarin might have experienced and the BELFAST EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHY,
exhibition in its reception area on the life of on 12th April 1961, Gagarin gave his first master, best known for Russian Ark (2002) impression that seeing Earth from space would THE EXCHANGE PLACE, 23 DONEGALL ST,
Gagarin and the early Soviet space programme international press conference on the 14th April in The Institute of Engineering and Technology have had on him. ‘Homecoming’ is a celebration in BELFAST, BTI 2FF
to coincide with the unveiling of the sculpture. Moscow. Amongst the journalist present was the THE TSAR’S BRIDE presents an evening lecture, a celebration of 50 the form of a Russian folk dance. 18 MARCH – 30 APRIL 2011
It will include photographs lent by the Gagarin veteran BBC Aero Space correspondent, Reg Turnill. ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON years of manned space flight looking at the past, Gagarin is currently being performed world-wide. In (TUES – SAT, 11AM-5PM).
family from their own archives, books by the With a hastily arranged USSR visa Turnill flew out 14 APRIL - 2 MAY 2011 present and future. Speakers are John Zarnecki, the UK there are performances in London, Kent, TALK ON TUESDAY 12 APRIL 2011 (1-2PM)
father of Russian space science, Konstanin and attended the press conference where he asked Sung in Russian with English subtitles Professor of Space Science, Open University and Northampton and Birmingham. Please see the
Tsiolkovsy, a specially made film showing the Gagarin directly if he had landed inside his The Friends of Covent Garden Robin McKie, Science and Technology Editor, The website for further details and booking information. For Secret Satellites, O’Beirn has produced an
training of the first group of cosmonauts and the spacecraft. Turnill never got a clear answer to that Observer. Nigel-clarke.co.uk animation which presents a series of lay-persons’
first launch, and some extremely rare items from or most of the other questions. He remembers the This new production by Paul Curran is not to be Booking information: online registration questions around contemporary physics and some
the period of the first Vostok flights – among them whole press conference as "Good humoured missed: a star cast and conductor for Rimsky- theiet.org/events/2011/Gagarin.cfm MOON FUTURES – A TOURING EXHIBITION of the more quirky and abstract theories about the
a space suit and ejector seat of the sort used by evasion". Korsakov’s Russian masterpiece in its first ever ABOUT LIVING ON THE MOON fundamental nature of space and its formation.
Gagarin. There are no items of the Russian space At the age of 95 Reg recalls the events of the performances by The Royal Opera. The opera may BBC RADIO 4 FACT (FOUNDATION FOR ART AND O’Beirn is one of 4 artists exhibiting work in
programme on permanent view in the UK, and press conference from the notes he personally took be based on historical figures, but they act out a RANDOM EDITION CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY), Secret Satellites, an exhibition at Belfast Exposed
these loans from the Russian Space Agency will on the day. This video interview, recorded in July fictional story of intrigue, betrayal and corruption. MONDAY 11TH APRIL 2011, 11AM 88 WOOD STREET, LIVERPOOL, L1 4DQ which explores space and the orbital environment
provide an exceptional glimpse into the dawn of 2011 will be published online on 9th April 2011. Drawing on the director’s specialist knowledge of DECEMBER 15 2011 – FEBRUARY 26 2012 AT FACT from the perspective of the lay enthusiast.
the space age. Russia and the Russian opera repertory, this new This programme takes the front page of one of the (MON TO SAT 11AM – 6PM, SUN 12PM-6PM) Belfastexposed.org
Commissioned by Visual Arts at the British Council ASTROTALKS: 2 production evokes a dark and threatening world UK’s newspapers on 12 April, l961, the date of
ONLINE INTERVIEW with hardhitting contemporary resonance. Marina Gagarin’s historic flight into orbit, and re-tells the How will we live on the Moon? 50 years after Yuri BUILDING THE REVOLUTION: SOVIET
FORWARD TO MARS: DESIGN AND HTTP://WWW.ASTROTALKUK.ORG Poplavskya, Johan Reuter and Ekaterina Gubanova story through archive clips, interviews with those Gagarin’s first flight into space, it still seems it is ART AND ARCHITECTURE 1915-1935
THE NEW SPACE AGE YURI GAGARIN AND ERIC BROWN: lead a cast under the baton of the much-loved and who remember Gagarin’s visit to Britain, sound likely that the first rehearsal for living on a ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, LONDON
BRITISH COUNCIL RECEPTION, PRIVATE MEETING IN LONDON respected Mark Elder. And with the brilliant recordings of Gagarin in space talking to earth, planetary object outside the earth will not be Mars AUTUMN 2011
10 SPRING GARDENS, 13TH JULY 1961 orchestration and large ensembles this is a fine and interviews with friends and family. One of the but the Moon. But how have things changed since
LONDON SW1A 2BN FROM 2 APRIL 2011 showcase for the acclaimed Royal Opera Chorus and rarest interviews is is between the British Council’s the US and Russian dash to the moon, ending in This exhibition will present for the first time the
5-30 APRIL 2011 the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. When Tsar Andrea Rose and Elena Gagarina, Yuri Gagarin’s the 1969/71 moon landings? A group of visual relationship between the unprecedented burst of
During his five day visit to Great Britain, Yuri Ivan the Terrible selects Marfa as his new bride, a elder daughter, who talks on British radio for the artists re-imagine life on the Moon, including artistic creativity in Russia from 1915 and
Forward to Mars considers a range of new design Gagarin had only one private test pilot to test pilot web of romantic and political jealousy and intrigue first time about her memories of her father, her life Agnes Meyer-Brandis, Leonid Tishkov and others, Constructivist architecture, Russia’s contribution
projects for space exploration. The exhibition gives meeting. It took place on Thursday 13th July 1961 brings about death and disaster for her and in Star City, and the difficulties of growing up in in an exhibition at FACT, Liverpool, organised by to the Modernist Movement. Drawing their
an overview of some of the most interesting British with Captain Eric “Winkle” Brown in the heart of everyone around. The power of the few and the shadow of one world’s most celebrated The Arts Catalyst. inspiration from the radical abstraction of such
and international projects in development. It the British establishment, the Admiralty (known privileged can still control – and ruin – the lives of figures. Booking information: free exhibition, booking artists as Malevich, Lissitzky and Popova,
moves from projects that are currently completed today as the Department of Defence). Details of anyone they choose. Historical fiction and today’s www.bbc.co.uk advised for events 0151 707 4464 Melnikov, Ginsburg, Golosov, Vesnin and other
or under construction, to proposals for new designs this meeting are published for the first time fact intertwine in this new production to startling Soviet architects, as well as Le Corbusier and
for space travel and habitation, culminating in because as Captain Brown says “No one had asked effect. A highlight of the Season, it is a rare BBC RADIO 4 KOSMICA AT THE ARTS CATALYST, Mendelsohn, developed a new style of architecture
plans for manned missions to Mars, and habitable before”. opportunity to see an operatic gem. AFTERNOON PLAY – TITANIUM LONDON which responded directly to Socialism’s
bases on the red planet. Captain Brown, now 92 years old, recalls that www.roh.org.uk 12 APRIL 2011, 2.15PM DATES: 17 FEBRUARY, 24 MARCH, 12 determination to create a new Utopia. Examples of
Exhibition curated by Peter Kelly and designed by Gagarin told him that he had ejected from his APRIL 2011 AND EVERY 5-6 WEEKS this avant-garde architecture abound not just in
Patrick Myles, in partnership with Blueprint. spacecraft prior to landing whilst repeatedly NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE The story of Gagarin's first space flight through the THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. (7-10PM) Moscow and St Petersburg, but throughout the
Commissioned by Architecture, Design, Fashion at insisting in public before and after this meeting EXPLORATION DRIVE, eyes of his training partner GhermanTitov. former USSR in cities such as Kiev, Ekaterinburg,
the British Council. that he had landed inside his spacecraft. LEICESTER, LE4 5NS A newly commissioned drama by Anita Sullivan A new series of galactic gatherings for earth- Baku, Sochi and Nizhny Novgorod. The energy,
The twenty minute video interview, recorded at SPACECENTRE.CO.UK about Yuri Gagarin's first space flight as recalled bound artists, space engineers, performers, optimism and innovation which embodied this
FIRST ORBIT: A NEW FILM BY Captain Brown's home in January 2011, will be 16 APRIL – 2 MAY 2011 by his training partner - the man who came closest astronomers, musicians and anyone interested in remarkable period in architectural history will be
CHRIS RILEY published online on 2nd April 2011. to taking Gagarin's place - Gherman Titov. exploring and sharing space in original ways. illustrated through drawings and paintings,
GLOBAL The National Space Centre, Leicester, is celebrating History rarely remembers who came second. If Every KOSMICA session will be unique: architectural publications and important archival
ASTROTALKS: 3 the anniversary of Gagarin’s first flight with a Yuri Gagarin had so much as sneezed on the 12th bringing together the cosmically curious and photographs which will be set within the context
In a unique collaboration between the European LEV DANILKIN, FRANCIS SPUFFORD AND range of new events. The following new features of April 1961 the honour of being the first man in culturally quirky space community. Monthly of newly created large scale photographs by the
Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli and ORLANDO FIGES : ‘THE SOVIET DREAM’ will be unveiled for the Anniversary: orbit would have gone to his training partner, KOSMICA evenings will bring together a social mix renowned architectural photographer, Richard Pare
documentary film producer Dr Christopher Riley PURCELL ROOM , SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Titov. But Gagarin didn't sneeze and a of art-space programmes – a film screening, of these iconic buildings now in decay or suffering
‘First Orbit’ is a new film celebrating Yuri Gagarin’s LONDON The Vostok Factor: enter Star City for trainee disappointed Titov had to climb back down the performance or live concert with a short from inept and inappropriate restoration. Recently
first space flight. Taking place in real time, it will 7.45PM, 13 APRIL 2011 cosmonauts and join first level basic training to see launch tower. A few months later Titov did launch presentation, talk and debate about alternative discovered material from the Moscow State
reveal for the first time since Gagarin was in orbit if you have what it takes to become the next successfully in Vostok II. He completed 17 earth and cultural uses of space. Museum of Architecture (MUAR) will be brought
THIS POSTER WAS DESIGNED BY PATRICK MYLES, AND COMMISSIONED BY ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, FASHION AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO RIA NOVOSTI FOR USE OF THE IMAGE
the exact trajectory that he took, and allow us to Marking the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first cosmonaut in space orbits (got space-sick, ate and slept) and is still Booking information: full details published each together with works from the George Costakis
see what he saw as the first man in space. manned space flight, three writers explore the The Gagarin Experience: Blast off in Vostok 1 or if the youngest person ever to have gone into space. month at arts.catalyst.org/whatson. Collection of Constructivist Art, housed in the
Humanity’s first orbit of the Earth has been re- Soviet Union of the 1950s and 60s, in which the you just don’t think you are brave enough you can But he is largely unheard of because he wasn't Online booking through eventbrite.com. State Museum of Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki.
created by matching the orbital path of the planned economy would outstrip capitalism, and take charge in Mission control. 'first'. In Anita Sullivan's play, which marks the royalacademy.org.uk
International Space Station as closely as possible communism would be the economic model of the Big Bang Science: discover the rocket science that 50th anniversary of Gagarin's flight, the story of SCRSS EXHIBITION: YURI GAGARIN –
to that of Gagarin’s flight. The original voice future. Lev Danilkin is Yuri Gagarin's official got Yuri Gagarin into space with our mad scientists the two cosmonauts - their training, their THE FIRST MAN IN SPACE YURIGAGARIN50
recording of Gagarin speaking to earth while in biographer, and has edited several key reviews of selection, the flight and its aftermath, is told SOCIETY FOR CO-OPERATION IN RUSSIAN YuriGagarin50 is the organiser and host of a range
flight on Vostok 1 has been obtained from the contemporary Russian literature. Francis Spufford's GAGARIN50 EXHIBITION AND TALKS BY through Titov's eyes as he waits at Chkalovsky AND SOVIET STUDIES, of academic and educational activities celebrating
Russian State Archive for Scientific book Red Plenty is part novel, part historical CHRIS RILEY AND GURBIR SING Airbase for Yuri to return from what should have 320 BRIXTON ROAD, LONDON, SW9 6AB. the 50th anniversary of human space flight. The
Documentation, and been exactly matched to the investigation of the communist dream and the key THE LAURISTON GALLERY, WATERSIDE ARTS CENTRE, been a routine training flight on the 27th March DATES: APRIL 14 – MAY 23 2011 website provides an invaluable timeline on
view from his capsule at the time. This is a characters within it. Orlando Figes, one of the most SALE, MANCHESTER, M33 7ZF 1968. (OFFICIAL OPENING APRIL 14, 7PM. Gagarin, resource facility, archive documentation,
collaboration between Dr Chris Riley, YouTube and distinguished historians of 20th-century Russia, 9 APRIL – 4 JUNE 2011 A BBC/Cymru Wales production, Writer Bernard Kops will read the and an extensive events listing for the scientific
the British Council, and this remarkable film from and author of Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History (10AM-5PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY) directed by Kate McAll poem he wrote and presented to and education community. Listings of all the
is available to download free of charge from of Russia, chairs the event 12TH APRIL 7PM – YURI GAGARIN NIGHT www.bbc.co.uk Yuri Gagarin in 1961) events organised by Yurigagarin50 can be found
www.firstorbit.org Organised by the London Book Fair at the Southbank on their website: www.yurigagarin50.org.
Contact: celebrate@firstorbit.org Centre An exhibition of archive photography, fine art, POYEKHALI! – GAGARIN AND THE DAWN Yuri Gagarin visited the offices of the Society for
http://www.britishcouncil.org/arts-literature- video, Soviet space memorabilia and witness OF SPACE EXPLORATION Cultural Relations with the USSR (now the SCRSS)
LONDON BOOK FAIR: RUSSIA MARKET londonbookfair.htm accounts revealing and reflecting on Gagarin as a ROYAL ALBERT HALL, KENSINGTON GORE, during his visit to the UK in July 1961. The
FOCUS 2011 family man, cosmonaut and icon. This is a great LONDON, SW7 2AP exhibition features photos of his visit, together
EARLS COURT AND OTHER LONDON VENUES ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: chance to see rarely-seen artefacts from the 11 JUNE – 4 JULY FOR PEOPLE ATTENDING with other materials from the SCRSS archive.
11TH – 13TH APRIL ‘LITTLE EAGLES’ extraordinary Cold War era. The exhibition also ROYAL ALBERT HALL CONCERTS AND EVENTS Booking information: for the official opening and
HAMPSTEAD THEATRE, LONDON features specially –commissioned work from mural 25 JUNE, 2 JULY, 3 JULY ARE OPEN DAYS viewing by appointment contact SCRSS on 020 7274
As the official cultural programme partner of this 16 APRIL TO 7 MAY 2011 artist Walter Kershaw and a mixed media 2282.
flagship event, the British Council brings the best Visit www.rsc.org.uk/london for details. installation by Mishka Henner & David Oates. Drawing on rarely seen contemporary photographs Scrss.org.uk
of contemporary Russian writing and publishing to Young people are invited to get involved in ‘When I from the archives of RIA Novosti, Russia’s news
London for ‘Russia Market Focus’, in collaboration To coincide with the 50th anniversary of Yuri Grow Up’, a short story competition. and information agency, and the Science Photo ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH:
with the Russian Federal Agency for Press and Mass Gagarin’s flight into orbit, the Royal Shakespeare Booking information: Library, this exhibition tells the story of Gagarin’s DAWN OF SPACE AGE
Communication and Academia Rossica. A series of Company is staging the world premiere of Rona Gagarin & The Space Race, free talk by Chris Riley, early life, his historic flight and the fame that BLACKHEATH AVE, LONDON, SE10 8XJ
high-profile trade and public events highlight the Munro’s new play, Little Eagles, at Hampstead 6.30pm 23 May 2011. followed him until his untimely death in 1968. 9 – 25 APRIL 2011 (10AM-5PM)
wealth of opportunities existing at the intersection Theatre. ‘Little Eagles’ was name given to the first Gagarin in Manchester, free talk by Gurbir Sing, Using as the title the phrase that Gagarin uttered
of commerce and cultural relations. Russian group of Russian cosmonauts by the Chief 1.30pm. as he lifted off from Baikonur on 12 April l961 In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Yuri
writers, both emerging and established, and from Designer, Sergei Pavlovich Korolev, the brains To book, call 0161 912 5616. (‘Let’s go!’) we see beneath the veneer of the Gagarin’s historic journey into space the Royal
all over Russia, will be taking part in a series of behind the early Soviet space programme. This gagarin50.co.uk public hero to get a glimpse of a family man inside Observatory presents Dawn of the Space Age, half
events, talks, and seminars both at the London gripping new play charts the space race from the twitter.com/Gagarin_50 and we find an understanding of how he became a century of space history brought to life with
Book Fair and in cultural venues around London perspective of the Soviet Union, bringing to life briefly the most famous man in the world. This stunning visuals of London’s only planetarium.
among them Boris Akunin, Pavel Kostin, Olga the fascinating and little-known story of the exhibition is a collaboration between RIA Novosti From mankind’s first steps into space, to the
Slavnikova and Lev Danilkin, Gagarin’s most recent brilliant man behind its success, and of the six and the Science Photo Library. daring lunar landings to today’s world of space
Russian biographer. On 12 April, a recorded link first cosmonauts, Korolev’s beloved ‘little eagles’. tourism, the epic story of space exploration is
with the International Space Station will be shown Gagarin was the first to fly. made vivid and actual. .
at the Russian Pavilion at the London Book Fair. Booking information: Ages 7+, call 020 8312 6608,
http://www.britishcouncil.org/arts-literature- Booking information: Call +44 (0)20 7722 9301 bookings@nmm.ac.uk
londonbookfair.htm This event will be broadcast live on the web at Nmm.ac.uk/visits/events/
royalsociety.org/live and available to view on
demand within 48 hours of delivery. Visit our video
archive at royalsociety.tv