Thunderbirds Turn 60: Puppet Power and Retro Sci-Fi Fun at Slough!

Thunderbirds, the iconic puppet TV series, is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special exhibition at Slough Museum, the very place where the show was originally filmed. Fans of the series can visit the museum to see the original puppets of beloved characters like Lady Penelope, Brains, and the Tracy Family, all displayed behind glass along with other memorabilia from the show. The exhibition is open every Friday and Saturday until December 20, giving fans plenty of opportunities to experience the magic of Thunderbirds and learn about its history.

The event featured a model display of the original studio, sci-fi toys, and memorabilia, as well as a high-definition screening of the very first episode, 'Trapped in the Sky. ' Jamie Anderson, son of the show's creator Gerry Anderson, attended the event and expressed his gratitude to Slough Museum for organizing the celebration. He said it was truly special to see so many people gather to honor the legendary series, especially at the Slough Trading Estate, where Thunderbirds was brought to life six decades ago. Jamie called the exhibition a fitting tribute to his father's and Sylvia Anderson's extraordinary legacy.

Thunderbirds was inspired by the 1963 Lengede mining disaster in West Germany, which led Gerry Anderson to create a show about a futuristic global rescue organization. The series used advanced 'supermarionation' puppetry and detailed scale models to bring its stories to life. Over the years, Thunderbirds became a beloved part of British television, with 32 episodes produced at the Slough studio. The exhibition allows fans to reconnect with the original puppets and explore the creative process behind the show. If you have a story related to Thunderbirds, BBC Berkshire encourages you to get in touch and share your memories.