May The Force Be With You At New Dock Hall
On Sunday 15 October 2023, in a galaxy not so far away fans of Star Wars will be descending on New Dock Hall as Unleashed Events launch their latest comic-con with a Star Wars twist.
Whether you are an originalist who thinks Star Wars begins and ends with the original trilogy or prefer the latest exploits of characters such as Grogu or Ashoka, then there will be something for you!
If the fandom is strong with you then you won’t want to miss meeting the legendary actors who will be available to chat about their time on set, sign autographs and pose for photos. Actors include Garrick Hagon who portrayed Biggs Darklighter opposite Mark Hamill and Paul Blake who played Greedo from Star Wars: A New Hope. From Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back you can meet Paul Jerricho who was an AT-AT driver. As a creature actor Mike Quinn, the man behind Star Wars character Nien Nunb will talk about playing such an iconic character as well as the other creatures he has portrayed. He may be coming straight from Jabba’s Palace but we hope Paul Brooke, the rancor keeper, doesn’t bring his rancor with him! Last but not least is Arie Dekker, who was the stunt double for the big furball himself, Chewbacca, in the films Solo and The Rise Of Skywalker. Although, all the actors are well known for their Star Wars appearances they have also appeared in other TV and film favourites such as Doctor Who, Space 1999, James Bond and Batman.
Jedis, padawans, Mandalorians and even Sith Lords will jump at the chance to have their photo taken on the speeder bike or posing next to the Jedi Master Yoda! Fully indulge in your love of all things Star Wars with the local costuming group, the Mos Eisley Misfits who will have loads of interactive displays, photo opportunities and characters for you to meet … are you really a true Star Wars fan if you have never had Chewie ruffle your hair up!
Sammie Gibben, General Manager of Unleashed Events said:
“It is fair to say this is going to be an out of this world event! It is a great opportunity for fans of the Star Wars franchise to come along, step into an intergalactic world and meet their favourite characters.”
You can go along to the event dressed as your favourite Star Wars character aka cosplay … lots of people do! Sammie Gibben continued:
“Coming to the event in costume adds to the fun, however, although this is a Star Wars themed event we are more than happy for you to come along dressed as a character from other genres, such as fantasy, anime and superheroes. There is also a costume masquerade with some fantastic prizes to be won.”
Other highlights of the event include comic book and animation artists and authors and plenty of vendor tables of comic books, Funko Pops, toys, collectibles, original art and much, much more! Amongst those attending is Sasha Ray, a digital artist and mixed media painter whose uber cool style is mashing up and remixing multiple layers of imagery into works of art with one of her main influences being Star Wars.
Sammie Gibben concluded:
“New Dock Hall will be brimming with toys, collectables, posters and comics and you can easily spend your time reminiscing at items you grew up with or the latest toys for your young padawan!”
Sunday 15 October 2023; 11am–5pm; New Dock Hall, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT
Tickets available at: www.unleashedevents.co.uk or Pay On The Door Entry From 11am: Only £10 (under 16s £5)
So, What Is A Comic-Con? Comic-Cons began in the US in the 1960s and have since then have grown into a global pop culture phenomenon which the fans in Leeds have fully embraced. Showcasing comic books, science fiction/fantasy films and television programmes and similar popular arts as well as featuring shows with cult followings. The entertainment elements cover all genres such as superheroes, anime, manga, horror, gaming, and Disney.
This post is based on a press release issued by Unleashed Events
Photo: Saha Ray is a mixed media artist
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper – up 83% in the last 12 months.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
