Final chance to see theatre's giant Earth sculpture

Luke Jerram says his Earth artwork aims to show the "fragility and strength" of the planet

An illuminated planet Earth sculpture displayed in a theatre to mark its 15th birthday is about to move to the next location on its world tour.

The Core at Corby Cube has been celebrating its milestone with a 7m (23ft) installation of Earth, which will hang in the Northamptonshire town's auditorium until Sunday.

The GAIA installation features high resolution NASA imagery and is accompanied by a soundtrack composed by award-winning composer Dan Jones.

It is the brainchild of artist Luke Jerram who says it aims to show the "fragility and strength" of the planet.

"It's only been 60 years that humanity has been able to see the Earth like this, as a blue planet floating in the blackness of space," he said.

"The idea of creating this artwork was hopefully to give people a sense of what it might be like to be floating in space looking down at the planet.

"Just to see how beautiful and fragile it is, and for people to care about it."

It has been seen by about 20 million people before it arrived in Corby as part of its world tour.

Joe Flavin, the theatre's director, said there had been some "beautiful and unique" moments under GAIA during its week of celebrations – which included a series of workshops and events.

"It's been a crazy few days. We had Northants Sings Out choir having just a joyful explosion of energy underneath it. It was absolutely such a unique moment," he said.

"It's projects like this, where we're able to kind of animate the town centre, [that] bring more people in and show off Corby for how great it is."

GAIA has been seen by around 20 million people before it arrived in Corby as part of its world tour

The sculpture will remain in the Core until 20:00 BST on Sunday for public viewings.

This will be the last chance to see GAIA in Northamptonshire before it heads to Germany as part of its tour.

Mr Jerram will also launch his Tipping Point presentation in Corby this weekend.

It has been organised with education charity Fermynwoods Contemporary Art and will offer visitors an immersive experience which "simulates the drama of a forest fire".

The display will take place from 20:00 BST between 19 and 21 September at Hazel and Thoroughsale Woods.