Invasion Belfast III

Invasion Belfast III at W5
2 & 3 October 2010
10am - 6pm

From Facebook:

"A space odyssey awaits this October as W5 welcomes the return of the Emerald Garrison, Ireland's Star Wars costuming club, for Invasion Belfast III.
Following the unprecedented success of 2008 and 2009, Invasion Belfast III promises even more characters, even more photo opportunities and even more sci-fi fun!

It's been more than 30 years since "Star Wars" first exploded onto our screens, but the swashbuckling sci-fi films from writer-director George Lucas have left a legacy no other blockbuster has surpassed. Star Wars is a story that bridges the generation gap and delights parents and children in equal measures.

A whole month of Star Wars fun begins on 2 October with a mega weekend of fantastic photo opportunities offering visitors the chance to meet over 50 costumed characters. With a legion of Storm Troopers as well as Darth Vader, Tuscan Raiders, Jedi Knights, Bounty Hunters, Clonetroopers and even Wookies battling it out for your attention you will be spoilt for choice as to where to point your camera.

W5’s special guest this year is Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Jeremy will be available all weekend to sign autographs* as well as answer questions in a live Lecture Theatre Q&A session.
*Please note that Jeremy charges a fee for photographs and autographs.

If that’s not enough, this year Level 4’s exhibition space will play host to a fan-built Star Wars Props & Models Exhibition including cloned props & replicas carefully crafted by Emerald Garrison which will run from 2nd October - 7th November 2010

These lovingly recreated life-size Star Wars movie props will be on display for six weeks and simply have to be seen to be believed. Before the advent of CGI and animation George Lucas used traditional materials such as MDF, metal and paint to portray a world full of grime and technology that looks like it has been used for years, unlike the sleek, futuristic world typical of earlier science fiction films. In interviews, George Lucas tells of rubbing his new props with dirt to make them look weatherworn. It is this type of minute attention to detail that Emerald Garrison will be bringing to W5.
Included in the display is a Scout Walker (AT-ST), Speeder Bikes, Cantina Band stage featuring Han Solo in carbonite, a Sith Speeder and the absolutely awe-inspiring life-size Y-Wing Starfighter. As well as these large scale props the fan-built display includes replica character busts, helmets, and weapons.

According to Adrian Lutton Head of Exhibitions and Design at W5 “We are offering Invasion Belfast III - the exhibition, the lecture theatre and photo opportunities completely FREE with admission to W5. Furthermore we are keeping the exhibition of replica props open for the month of October which will allow more people the opportunity to see the craftsmanship and dedication of the enthusiasts at Emerald Garrison. In this climate when people are increasingly aware of the costs of a family day out, W5 is offering a fantastic event that caters for fans of all ages - families and Star Wars aficionados alike.”

A visit to W5 this October is an absolute must for all fans of the Star Wars movies. October is devoted to all things Jedi. So fans of the force unite, grab your lightsabre and may the force be with you.

Notes:
• Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRDDBSYCxl4 for a taste of last year’s event

• The Emerald Garrison is a Star Wars costuming club that brings together enthusiasts from all over the world who enjoy celebrating the Star Wars movies through the wearing of Stormtrooper, Clonetrooper and other Star Wars armour. Emerald Garrison professionalism and dedication to extremely high costuming standards have resulted in their attending some of the largest events ever held in the U.K including the Donington Download Music Festival, the Leeds 02 Music Festival and appearing on stage with numerous rock acts. Visit www.irelandgarrison.com for more information

• The cultural influence of the six "Star Wars" films, plus the novels, comics, television shows, games, toys, spoofs and documentaries linked with "Star Wars," is such that, in the 2001 United Kingdom census, some 390,000 people stated their religion as Jedi, making it the fourth largest religion surveyed.

• Jeremy Bulloch is best known as the bounty hunter Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy. Bulloch also played a second role in the saga, that of as an unnamed Imperial officer in The Empire Strikes Back, his only non-masked appearance. He also did the voice for Captain Colton in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith"