Cleveleys beach on the Fylde Coast has transformed into a galactic hotspot, as thousands of Star Wars fans descend upon this tranquil Lancashire seaside town. The location, which was famously turned into the planet Niamos during the filming of Andor in 2021, continues to be a magnet for devotees from around the world.
The annual meet-up, masterminded by local enthusiasts Jessica Monger and Neil Trickett, is a must-attend event for any fan. With iconic characters like Stormtroopers and Darth Vader roaming the promenade, it's not uncommon to see fans dressed to impress, posing with a replica droid recreating a famous scene from the Disney+ series. The atmosphere is electric as old and young unite over their shared passion for George Lucas's enduring creation.
Jessica Monger, who brought a slice of California charm to Cleveleys in 2012, can't contain her excitement at seeing her adopted home become a global hub for fans. Having grown up near the birthplace of Star Wars creator George Lucas, she relished every moment of filming taking place on her doorstep. "There's something surreal about watching Darth Vader stroll through a quintessential British seaside setting," Monger beams. "And witnessing the looks on children's faces as Stormtroopers patrol the beach is pure magic."
Co-organiser Neil Trickett explains how he and Monger connected over their shared love of Star Wars, sparking a plan for a free public event that has since snowballed into a global phenomenon. The pair's vision has attracted visitors from as far-flung as Eastern Europe, offering fans a chance to mingle with like-minded individuals, grab exclusive merchandise, and geek out over all things Star Wars.
This Sunday, the festivities will kick off at 10:30 BST, running until 16:00. The organisers are pulling out all the stops to bring the sci-fi universe to life against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lancashire coast. As Cleveleys continues to cement its place in the Star Wars franchise's lore, it's clear that this unexpected location has tapped into something truly special – a sense of community and shared wonder that transcends borders and generations.