THIS year marks the 50th anniversary of the Lunar Landings and the 100th birthday of the Forestry Commission.

Cheshire is home to Jodrell Bank, which captured the first images of the surface of the Moon when Apollo 11 touched down in 1969, and Delamere Forest, one of the oldest woodlands in Britain, is managed by the Forestry Commission.

So to celebrate the milestones, a series of family events have been planned under the banner, Cheshire: Where Science Meets Nature.

We pick out some of the upcoming highlights below:

MOONS, MOVIES AND MAKING MEMORIES

BLUEDOT

A stellar line-up from the worlds of music, science and cosmic culture will gather in the shadow of the iconic Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank from today, Thursday, to Sunday.

Headliners include Hot Chip, Kraftwerk, New Order and The Halle Orchestra.

Visit discoverthebluedot.com.

JODRELL BANK

The 50th anniversary of the Lunar Landings is a bumper year for visitors to Jodrell Bank.

The observatory and World Heritage Site played a unique role in this momentous occasion, capturing the moment when the Eagle lander, carrying Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, touched down on the surface of the Moon in 1969.

Dip into the packed programme of special events at the family-friendly Discovery Centre for budding astronauts, large and small.

SPACE ODYSSEY AND MUSEUM OF THE MOON

Did you know, Warrington has played an important role in European space missions for nearly 50 years? Find out more at this summer’s special exhibition, Space Odyssey, featuring the solar array deployment arm of the Hubble Telescope that was tested by ESR Technology in Risley.

Also make a note in your diary for October, when Luke Jerram’s touring artwork, Museum of the Moon, visits Parr Hall.

It is the centrepiece of Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival. Space Odyssey runs until September 21.

Museum of the Moon is from October 4 to 31. Visit wmag.culturewarrington.org and warringtonartsfestival.co.uk

LUNA CINEMA

Is there anywhere finer to watch a blockbuster movie than in the glorious grounds of Tatton Park? In August, this historic estate – featuring a medieval hall and neoclassical mansion set amid landscaped grounds, gardens, and a deer park – will play host to a three-night festival of film.

On the bill are recent hits, A Star Is Born, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again and Bohemian Rhapsody, all shown on a giant screen surrounded by woodland near Tatton’s old stableyard.

Luna Cinema takes place between August 23 and 25. Visit theluna cinema.com or tattonpark.org.uk.

FORESTS, FESTIVALS AND FAMILY DAYS

JUST SO FESTIVAL

The three-day celebration of family adventure and outlandish arts in the outdoors will take place in the lakeside grounds of Georgian country house Rode Hall – come for the day or pitch up at the campsite for the whole weekend.

It’s the festival’s 10th year and promises to be the best yet, with an agenda of midnight feasts, silent discos, and al-fresco theatre.

Just So Festival runs from August 16 to 18. Go to justsofestival.org.uk

THE BORROWERS

Once again, Arietty, Pod and Homily Clock will leave their home beneath the floorboards to bravely explore the giant world above.

This summer, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre will premiere a new version of The Borrowers by the award-winning playwright Bryony Lavery.

Spread out your picnic blanket and pop open a bottle of fizz at this theatre-in-the-round in Chester’s elegant Victorian Park. The Borrowers is on until August 25.

Visit grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.co.uk/borrowers

NOW NORTHWICH

Get set for surprises around every corner in Northwich as the family-friendly international dance and street art festival returns for a second year on October 5.

From Weaver Way to Witton Street and Barons Quay, the streets of this old salt town will transform for a day into a stage on which artists will perform alongside community groups and schools.

Visit nownorthwich.co.uk.

MAGICAL WOODLAND

Step out this autumn in the magical woods on the edge of ancient Delamere Forest.

Follow this woodland trail as it comes alive with choreographed sound and light shows, interactive illuminations, and luminous pieces of performance art.

And don’t let the weather put you off: the whims of Mother Nature and the magic of the lights mean no two shows are the same.

Magical Woodland takes place from October 12 to November 3.

Visit magicalwoodland.com.