A POP-UP flying saucer museum has opened to celebrate an historic UFO phenomenon in Halton.

James Cooke, from Runcorn, claims to have visited outer space in September 1957.

An alien festival is being held later this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of him becoming the first person in Europe to have allegedly made contact with an alien!

Runcorn artist Chiz Turnross came across the story whilst researching Cheshire folklore and began to investigate further.

He found a newspaper story from 1957 in Runcorn Library’s archives with the headline ‘Runcorn Flying Saucer Anticipates Red Moon’.

Referring to the blood moon that month, it reported the disappearance of James Cooke on a visit to Planet Zomdic.

Chiz said: "At first I was researching blind until I hit upon the idea of an alien festival for Runcorn, a heritage project with a difference.

“Halton appears to be the prime UK window for UFO activity."

Chiz has teamed up with curator Jane Anderson and Widnes composer Lucy Pankhurst to stage the museum in the former Mecca bingo hall in the town square at Runcorn Shopping Centre.

It includes a mini archive of UFO material, workshops and performances.

Visitors are being asked for their ideas as organisers hope to attract international experts for what would be the UKs first alien festival.

A specially composed alien music performance will be held at 4pm on Saturday, April 22.

Organisers will be inviting special guests to play specific scores and musical interactions.

Tickets priced £5 are available from eventbrite.com/e/jane-anderson-tickets-33465348759