SWFFD

Artist name

May 2017
Dave

Where:

When:

Burnley Football Club, UK

Sun 30th April & Mon 1st May 2017

Prices:

Adults: £10 per day
Children £4 per day

I have been to this event for the last five years, and each year it gets a little bit bigger and better. The event began in 2008 and was originally held at the Clayton Conference Centre in Burnley. It had 1 guest and 400 fans attended. This year was the biggest yet, with 20 guests and is one of the largest events in the north of England and perhaps the largest Star Wars event in the UK today.

Ever since it was established it has remained true to its origins and is a Star Wars fan event run by the fans, for the fans. But, importantly, the event also raises thousands of pounds for charities each year, with a number of fund raising events happening over the course of the event.

Each year SWFFD happens on the first weekend of May to coincide with the England May Bank Holiday Weekend and has been a single day event. On one occasion the event has coincided with May the Fourth. As I said, the 2017 event was the biggest yet, and for the first time was run over two days. This was only fitting as the event was celebrating its 10th anniversary in the same year as the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars.
The 20 guests were present over the course of the event, with some attending one day or the other, or both. Fans had the opportunity to meet with these stars of the movies and wider Star Wars universe, as well as obtain signings and photo opportunities.

A coo for the event this year was to have Taylor Gray, Ezra Bridger from the excellent Star Wars: Rebels cartoon series, who admitted that this was the first event he had attended that wasn’t an ‘official’ Lucasfilm/Disney one.

Also in attendance was David Prowse, the original Darth Vader, David has been a regular guest at the event, supporting it for a number of years. As well as cast members from the original trilogy and the prequels: Paul Blake (Greedo), Femi Taylor (Oola), Caroline Blakiston (Mon Mothma), Michael Carter (Bib Fortuna) and a number of others; there were also new cast members from The Force Awakens and Rogue One: Invild Delia (Princess Leia), Ben Hartley (Harb Binli – callsign Red Seven), Mel Pickup (Athgar Heece) and Jimmy Vee (the ‘new’ R2-D2), amongst others.

Some of guests also provided talks in a break-out room set up as a theatre, discussing their involvement in the Star Wars universe and what it has meant to them over the years. Taylor had such a session himself and provided a very honest and humble talk about his experiences on Rebels, his affection for his co-stars on the show and how Star Wars has changed his life.

As well as the guests, there were a number of props set up for photo opportunities, including a speeder bike, a land speeder, Jabba’s throne (with Jabba) and a Wampa. The 99th Garrison (the largest independent Star Wars costuming group in the UK) was in attendance providing plenty of photo opportunities for fans both young and old. The 99th provide their time for free and were very active in fundraising activities over the two days. One very popular activity is always the ‘shoot the trooper’ booth, where for mere a £1 donation children (or adults) can take shots with a Nerf blaster at a number of Imperial troops (and sometimes Vader Himself!).

The event is also a chance for collectors to make acquisitions, with an impressive turnout of traders from around the UK. This year there were in excess of twenty stalls set up selling vintage and modern Star Wars collectables. As with previous years there are a number of bargains to be found and the atmosphere is very welcoming, where collectors can discuss their collections and seek out that ‘must have’ piece.

As with previous years, there were also artists in attendance, including a personal favourite: Dave Kennedy, aka CherrySherrif, so art collectors could expand their set. Again prices for artwork was very reasonable, with pieces suiting all pockets.

I am hoping that next year again sees a jump in the size and range of fan attractions at the event. This was the best one yet and I look forward to seeing what next year’s brings.