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HUNDREDS OF STAR WARS CHARACTERS TO DESCEND ON THE NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND CELEBRATION


The National Space Centre will mark 20 years of its hugely popular Star Wars event with a spectacular weekend celebration on 4–5 July, welcoming more than 100 costumed characters each day from across the iconic franchise.




First launched in 2006 after collaboration with the 501st UK Garrison, the event quickly became a standout in the fan calendar. Its inaugural year featured legendary actors Kenny Baker, Dave Prowse, and Jeremy Bulloch — the faces behind R2-D2, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett — and attracted more than 3,000 visitors in a single day.


Two decades on, the event has evolved into a fully immersive experience, bringing together an extraordinary community of costuming groups and fans. Today, characters from the entire Star Wars universe — spanning films, television series, comics, games, and books — assemble at the National Space Centre each year, transforming it into a living galaxy far, far away.


Special guests include Annabelle and Harrison Davis, both of whom have appeared in Star Wars, alongside acclaimed concept artist Jake Lunt Davies, known for designing fan-favourite characters including Porgs, BB-8 and B2EMO. Illustrator JAKe Detonator, whose work includes How to Speak Wookiee, will also be in attendance.


Across the weekend, visitors can take part in an extensive programme of interactive activities. From driving droids and learning lightsaber skills, to creating electronic badges and exploring immersive sets such as a Mandalorian base within the Tetrastar Spaceport, the event offers something for fans of all ages.


Guests can also meet characters, take part in a droid hunt, see a special 10th anniversary Rogue One costume exhibition, sit on Emperor Palpatine’s throne, and test their aim with Rebel NERF blasters.


With more than 100 characters appearing each day, the event offers one of the most visually spectacular Star Wars gatherings — providing visitors with countless opportunities to step directly into the action.


Every event ticket also comes with added value. All visitors will receive a free Annual Pass upgrade, enabling return visits to the National Space Centre throughout the year — although, as one of just five flagship event dates, Annual Passes are not valid for entry on this specific weekend. In addition, a temporary HM Treasury VAT reduction over the summer holidays means ticket prices are currently lower, making this milestone celebration even more accessible.


As a registered charity, the National Space Centre relies on events like this to power its wider mission. Every ticket purchased helps fund hands-on education programmes, community outreach initiatives, and the care of the UK’s national space collection.


By joining the celebration, visitors are doing more than enjoying an unforgettable weekend — they are helping to inspire future scientists and explorers, ensuring that curiosity, discovery, and opportunity continue to reach far beyond the walls of the Centre.




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