The big day is nearly upon us - Newcastle is gearing up to welcome Dippy the Dinosaur on its tour of the UK and some lucky visitors will be in for an extra-big treat thanks to a unique opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit.
This Saturday, April 27 is the last day for entries to a a raffle to win a one-off visit to get up close and personal with the famous Dippy when the 21-metre-long dinosaur skeleton cast is installed at Great North Museum: Hancock .
The Newcastle museum is one of just eight venues picked to host the current Dippy tour and will be showcasing its giant exhibit to the public from May 18.
Those who enter the draw by the deadline - at a cost of £2.50 - are in with a chance to see it first by winning a place for themselves and up to three guests to find out how the team of experts from Natural History Museum - where Dippy was a centrepiece exhibit for decades - reassemble the enormous skeleton following its dismantling for its journey.
They also will be able to have photographs taken with Dippy's skull before it is fixed back high into place at the end of its neck.
The £2.50 cost to enter the raffle will raise funds for Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' charity trust which supports learning activities for schoolchildren and families and the hope is to hit a £5,000 target.
Museum manager Caroline McDonald said: “ This is such an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with Dippy and a rare chance to meet the experts and see first-hand just what it takes to piece together this giant dinosaur jigsaw."
The prize draw will be made on May 3 and the winner, drawn at random at 2pm that day, will then get to go behind-the-scenes, with their guests, during Dippy's installation.
They will need to be available on May 15 and 16 as the date to enjoy their prize has yet to be confirmed for one of those dates.
It promises to a spectacular treat. During an exclusive one-hour experience, they will have unprecedented access to the assembly of the exhibition build, prime photo opportunities and a chance to chat with head of conservation Lorraine Cornish and her team.
The mega-attraction then will go on display to the public from May 18, with Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure running until October 6 when is expected to attract crowds to Newcastle .
Here's a guide to the Dippy's remarkable story .
Tickets to see the giant visitor are free but those interested are advised to book in advance. Find out how to do so and learn more about the tour Free tickets for Dippy in Newcastle - here's when and how to book to see the famous dinosaur skeleton tour .
The draw is open to anyone aged 16 or over and tickets to enter can be bought from the museum shop or here , where terms and conditions are also available.
Caroline added: “We are very grateful to the Natural History Museum for their enthusiasm in offering the prize.
"We hope that our visitors will get behind the raffle with similar gusto. Every ticket bought supports our mission to inspire the next generation of scientists.”
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