Click here for the photos

Event details

For the Star Wars Festival for the US Air force, based at RAF Lakenheath.

Attendees

Lee Higgs - TK Lee – Crewman and Organiser
Don Wheeler - TK9876 - Stormtrooper/Impy
Ross Wheeler - Niji - Stormtrooper/Impy
Giles Rees - TK276 - Stormtrooper
John Harris – TK5528 - Stormtrooper
Julian Peacock - PurpleSith - Boba Fett
Paul Blackmore - Stealthtrooper - Tie Pilot
Phillip Brown - TK1608 - Biker Scout
Tony Hewitt - TK363 - Stormtrooper
Chris Lee - TD 617 - Sandtrooper
Martin Pook - TB0612 - Biker Scout
Paul Elms - Scouse trooper - Stormtrooper
Andrew Hutchinson - Bluescrutch - Stormtrooper
Carl Robins - Tkdobs – Stormtrooper

The Event

After a long, but pleasant journey to the RAF Airbase at Lakenheath, I arrived at “Gate 1” at around 0930. I was promptly directed to the Visitors Centre to obtain my “pass” for the day. I was pleased to see that most of the guys were there already!

Being the first event of the year, it was great to catch up with the guys. After getting my pass and having a chat with the other Garrison Members, we went through the checkpoint and had our cars searched.

Once we were all in, we headed for the Community centre on the base. It was quite a strange feeling being on, what was in all intents and purposes, American soil. Lots of big beefy American cars and Military vehicles were going about their business.

We arrived at the venue, and after unpacking our costumes into the changing area (the stage in the main hall of the community centre), we went to get a coffee and refreshments. Of course, as you’d expect, everything was in US dollars, from what I remember, it was only Jan who remembered to change some currency before getting there!

The main hall wasn’t that large, but it was full of things to see, buy and watch. Several large screen TV’s hung from the ceiling. Just in front of the stage, the special guests had set out their tables, and were preparing to sign autographs. From the left, there was David Prowse (Darth Vader), Richard LeParmentier (Admiral Motti), Paul Blake (Greedo) and Garrick Hagon (Biggs).

We took it in turns to get changed into costume, whilst Lee Higgs was finalising the arrangements for the day with Heather (The organiser). Once changed, the Troopers went about their duty of patrolling the centre., and greeting the base inhabitants as they arrived.

We performed the usual “in character” banter with the crowds, and the response was great, they loved having real life Stormtroopers, Tie Piliots , Officers and Boba Fett right there on their base. Several of the troopers went patrolling around the area surrounding the community centre, including the Bowling alley, restaurants, supermarket, casino and bars. Arresting/questioning likely suspects on the way, all of which was well received in the humour it was intended. In short, they loved it! On several occasions, we would hear the cries of “Arrest me! Arrest me!”.

Just in front of the community centre, there was a no parking zone. The UKG made sure that this was enforced!

Later on, we were all treated to an introduction by the special guests. This was really interesting, and personal. We all heard how each of the actors got their respective roles in the Star Wars films, and how they actually started out in acting in the first place.

Other activities were fancy dress competitions, a showing of several “Fan films” including Troops and Pink Five, a questions and answers session from the special guests, and at the end of the event there was an auction (where most of the goods were bought by the UKG!).

We had a thoroughly good day. It was an excellent start to 2004’s trooping calendar. We hope to be invited back soon!

Photos