Things will be looking up for thousands of people this weekend.

Maidstone council’s Stargazing Spectacular, which has been run in association with MID-Kent Astronomical Society for three years, will be held on Saturday, March 7.

The event will be ticketed for the first time due to its phenomenal success.

The first year organisers were surprised to attract more than 1,000 people and last year 2,800 went.

This year, ticket numbers will be limited to 3,200.

The event will be held at Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, and feature children’s science shows presented by the Science Museum and the University of Kent.

There will be workshops including one to build a spectroscope and a telescope stargazing area. There will also be three astrodomes and a flight simulator, which is an extra cost.

Tickets, that must be bought in advance, cost £1.50 with under fives free. The event runs from 1pm to 9.30pm. To book visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/stargazing or call 0333 666 3366. Don’t forget a torch, camera, telescope or binoculars plus some sensible footwear.

If you can’t get along to Maidstone this weekend, there will be a similar event in Medway at the end of the month. Rainham School for Girls will host a Space Spectacular on from 4pm to 9.30pm on Saturday, March 28.

The star-studded event includes educational stands, talks, children’s activities plus a telescope workshop and rocket launching. Entry £1.

More details at www.midkentastro.org.uk