Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson is to be posthumously honoured at a celebration of British science fiction at the National Space Centre.
The late publisher, producer, director and writer – also famous for TV shows such as Captain Scarlet, Space 1999 and Joe 90 – died on Boxing Day last year, aged 83.
Having attended the BritSciFi 2011 and 2012 events himself, this year will see family, friends and fans celebrate his life and legacy, as well as raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society – a charity he supported.
Numerous sci-fi anniversaries will be celebrated over the weekend of Saturday, March 9.
They include Doctor Who's 50th birthday, with Daleks, Cybermen and stars of the show over the years such as Paul McGann, Colin Baker and Sophie Aldred joining fans.
Stars of Red Dwarf – Chris Barrie (Rimmer), Robert Llewellyn (Kryton) and Danny John-Jules (Cat) – will be hosting a question-and-answer session about the hit TV show.
Another cult TV show, Blake's 7, is also celebrating its 35th anniversary, with stars Paul Darrow (Avon) and Michael Keating (Vila) expected to make an appearance.
The highlight of the show will be the inclusion of Anderson Alley, bringing together never-before-seen props, sets and costumes from Gerry Anderson's shows – accompanied by Space 1999 actors Zienia Merton and Prentis Hancock.
A space centre spokesman said: "There will be so much to see and do that one weekend might not be enough!"
For details, call 0116 261 0261.
www.spacecentre.co.uk
