Event Report - Techniquest in Cardiff - May 4th 2019

It was a clear, Sunny but cold wind morning as Paul helped load R5 into his transporter. Before heading off over the bridge to Cardiff. Only an hours drive and you get some scenic views along the journey.

On arrival by 9, to the rear of the building, which apparently used to be the front,we were greeted by our events organiser. We unloaded and had easy access, only having one small step to manouver over. Before we set up in the lower main area, by the glass fronted windows. The table and cover were provided by the organiser, nice. The floor was hard wearing low pile carpet, lol, these things are important to a droid operator 😆

At one point I thought, we’re going to be on TV for the day......lol

The doors opened at 10 and we where greeted by lots of visitors. The place is a lot like a similar place in Bristol. Lots of activities and experiments for kids. Plus there’s a planetarium & there were also videos sessions showing the science of Star Wars throughout the day.

They were also showing Star Wars 'A New Hope', but we weren't able to attend the viewing of this.

Paul with his R2, & R5

The Imperials & Rebels joined the floor and we're greated by loads of children, some of them in costumes. (No photos of the members with children).

I know 'Princess Leia' from previous events attended & was good to catchup with her and the other members from the UK Garrision & Rebel Legion.

I think Lord Vader is upset with R5 for some reason lol

Two local fellow club members popped down to the event to catch up which was good to see them.

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TV camera getting set up

A local TV camera turned up to interview the organiser about the May the 4th event. I was told later that we (All of us) were seen on the local news lol. Will have ot check you tube for that lol.

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The Princess had to upload the plans for the Death Star into R2

And we had a bit of fun with the droids too lol

R5 patiently waits his turn for the plans lol

The droids had loads of photo's taken and we got to chat with lots of interested kids & parents alike. A few people already knew about the club and one was actually in the process of building, tho had taken a break. Hopefully his visit will kick start it again for him.

We handed out lots of club trading cards plus my stickers of R5, to the kids.

Another fun event!
Good to me the people behind the armour and a good day all round.
Come the end of the day it was time to pack up.

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I got to try out my Dome Bag.
It worked great & as it did it's purpose of being easy enough for a non builder to be able to carry in & out of the event, without them having to worry about how to hold the dome!

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The Imperials & Rebels were local, some only a short journey home. For myself & Paul, it was just an hour or so drive back across the bridge back to Bristol.

Thanks for inviting us @Techniquest.

Birmingham MCM Comic Con - Saturday 23rd March 2019 - Event Report

(2.4.19)
Early to rise for this one, 6am. Arrived and after the usual gaining an 'unloading ticket pass', unloaded & found the display stand that we would be joining with the other groups.

After the pre-event meeting, where all the groups under the 501st banner, went through the list of things to happen etc throughout the weekend, we returned to the stand to finish setting everything up ready for the event to open.

Lots of work in progress, from 3D printed to wood build and more.

Rebels pilots with her the Princess herself

Public view of the droids

Pre parade photo's. The parade (on the Saturday) started by the groups getting into order and then proceding outside to then re-enter further up the convention centre. We decided that it would be easier for us to drive up on the inside and join the parade as they re-entered the Hall.

These photo's were taken as we waited to join the parade.

 Getting ready to join the parade when they re-entre the Hall.

Us & Amanda, after the parade, about to join the lineup for the group photos.

And here we are in the photo lineup with everyone.

I don't have a picture of us IN the lineup though lol

The rest of the afternoon, was much like the rest of the day, public photos, chatting about the droids and about the group & about our chosen charity, that all the groups associated with the 501st, had kindly supported with collecting for over the weekend.

This charity was for Menigitis Now.

 click above image to link to the charity website and to Joanna's story

Fanthatracks interviewed Ian about the charity and about Joanna.

click here to watch the interview over on their You Tube channel.

photo credit to George

Thanks to Disney Lucasfilms, these prints, created by Paul Wiz Johnson, where produced for the club members who's droids appeared in the film 'Rogue One'.

These are available to Club members

& are now signed by the operators of the droids from the film.

Also recieving the interview treatment was Lee,
with this mini DeAgostini  droid, that is being raffeled for the charity.

Click the link below to the Justgiving if you would like to enter,
as all entrey's go towards Meningitis Now, thank you.

Justgiving.com/R2-D2

And here's the interview made by Fanthatracks, via You Tube channel.
Click this link to view: Win R2-D2 built by droid builder Lee Towersey

As the day started to draw to a close, I wanted to get a good picture of R5 with his R4 dome on. So swapped them over and here he is.

Another great, fun day spent with everyone. Interacting with the public is great and makes the traveling worth it. I was only able to attend the one day, for the others there was a meal & a groups party on the evening & then day two to look forward too.

But when the event closed its doors, it was time for me to pack up and load the car up.
This now leads me onto my Dome Bag idea, so check that out here.

My next event was a local one, South Bristol's Comic Con,
check out my event report & photos here.

My next event will be over in Cardiff @ Techniquest,
on Saturday May the 4th!
for event details click here.