The National Space Centre in Leicester has always been a fantastic venue, show-casing the latest in astronomical studies and aerospace engineering; but in recent years they have also hosted several annual science-fiction events throughout the year. With 4th May being National Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth be with you”), the National Space Centre will be hosting their annual Star Wars event on the May Bank Holiday weekend, celebrating George Lucas’s epic SF films.
The stars of the weekend are naturally the stars themselves. Principal of which will be Kenny Baker, who played the inimitable astromech droid R2-D2. Likewise, Rusty Goffe will also be putting in an appearance throughout the weekend, who played Kabe and a Jawa. Alongside Rusty will be Luke Skywalker’s wingman Wes Janson, played by Ian Liston.
Ensuring that order is maintained throughout the weekend, a legion of Stormtroopers from the 501st Garrison will be on hand. Other costumers will be putting in appearance, including, I suspect, Darth Vader and Boba Fett. It has to be said that witnessing a platoon of Storm Troopers marching past the National Space Centre’s rocket is a sight to be behold.
Also on offer will be Jedi training classes, designed to bring out the force in all of us. No, I do not mean the silly Midichlorian explanation that was given in The Phantom Menace, but the Force. Sorry, but I had to get that off my chest.
Alongside Jedi training will be the Lightsaber training course, brought to you by the XBox 360 team with their Kinect Star Wars game. Lightsaber sound effects are optional…
The Replica Prop Board team, who are some of the most talented prop-builders in the world, will be bringing with them a massive display of props and scale models from the Star Wars movies
One of the many reasons why the Star Wars events have proved so successful at the National Space Centre, is that the venue commits to the event fully. I realised at last year’s event that the Star Wars weekend is designed to appeal to all ages; adults will enjoy themselves just as much as children, and let’s be honest: we are all kids at heart.