Parts of Cheshire will be plunged into darkness as biggest eclipse in 15 years takes place across the UK.

The region will go dark when the sun and the moon perfectly align on the morning of Friday, March 20.

And a series of shows are being held at the world famous Jodrell Bank , the centre of space discovery in Cheshire, in the run-up to the historic event.

Nearly 90 per cent of the sun’s rays will be blocked in parts of Europe – with some of Scotland seeing 94 per cent darkness.

That means it will the biggest eclipse since August 1999.

The blackout will begin in Chester at 8.26am and the maximum eclipse, when the moon is nearest the middle of the sun, will be at 9.32am.

This shows the areas which will be plunged into darkness next month

We're testing a new site: This content is coming soon

It is due to end at 10.41am.

The August 1999 event was the first total eclipse since 1990 and the first seen in the UK since 1927.

On Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, a series of preparatory talks are being held at the Discovery Centre at Jodrell Bank, located in the shadow of the Lovell Telescope.

The show's, called ‘Get Ready for the Eclipse’ will explain about how the phenomenon comes about and how to safely view it.

See pictures of previous solar eclipses from around the world

Anyone wanting to see it is being warned not, under any circumstances, to look at the sun directly with the naked eye as it can damage your vision and even cause blindness.

Jamie Sloan Education Manager at the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre says in a blog: “From the UK this will be a partial solar eclipse, not a total one where the Sun’s entire disc is obscured.

“Still, this is the best solar eclipse visible from the UK since the total eclipse of 1999 and we won’t get another one as good as this until 2026!

“This means it is well worth observing this event – but it’s vital you take the necessary precautions.”

Jamie says it’s vital anyone wanting to view it does so using a solar telescope or special solar glasses.

Watch the last moments of the 1999 solar eclipse in Cornwall

Video Loading

Did you see the 1999 eclipse? Tweet your pics to @ChesterChron.