In the depths of my nav computer I found this blog I wrote sometime ago - 2 years ago to be precise...

With Celebration V looming (although we still don't know where it will be) I thought that I might still post this blog...


We're caught in a tractor beam and its' pulling us in...

I was compelled by my visit to Celebration Europe to finally join hyperspace after six years...unfortunately, a busy life doesn't always allow you time to do the things you want to, so, long overdue here is my first blog...

My mouth dropped open as I walked through the entrance to CE - the inflatable Death Star put an instant smile on my face that was not removed all weekend.

Unfortunately, I was not able to make the opening ceremonies on the Friday as I had to work and myself and Mr Itt travelled down to London on the Friday night (after getting stuck in traffic on the way home from work and nearly missing the train!). However, the rest of our weekend was a Kessel Run of fun!

My only groans about CE (which I will get out of the way here) were both to do with logistics and not to do with content: (1) The size of the venue - the number of halls used was far too small to accommodate the thousands of visitors. I am used to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK which hosts Memorabilia three times a year with enough space round things so you don't get crushed! (2) Queue management for the theatre talks - however, after reading other blogs about conventions I understand that this chaos is the norm...I do feel that lessons can be learned - what is the point in joining a queue when ultimately you can't get into the theatre - some sort of cut off point would have been good!

Groans over, I had more of a fantastic time than an Ewok after the Battle of Endor...my life is very busy with lots of commitments outside day to day work which stress me out as well as taking up my leisure time...I forgot all my troubles that weekend.

I overspent on loads of loot - ROTJ comics, ESB Han Solo Replica Blaster from Comic Con 2006 (Bargain at £15), SW CE bright yellow T-Shirt and loads more...however, my biggest expense (and thrill) was the autographs I got and the people I met.

Couldn't justify the wait let alone the price for Mark Hamill, but thought that Billy Dee Williams was a steal - a very jet lagged Billy after he signed my 1983 print of Lando.

Met Darth Maul himself the very lllloooovvveeeeelllllyyyy Ray Park and he signed my SW Cookbook II. Had a chat with Peter Mayhew about Wookie Cookies - he told me that they are really good and that I must make them! I must have looked hungry when Mr Itt got Kenny Baker to sign his limited edition Ralph McQuarrie figures as his very lovely wife gave me an apple from their picnic hamper! Warwick Davies was stirring up trouble in the Anthony Daniels queue wanting everyone to ask for photos of 3PO and Wicket together! He was promptly chased off by Mr Daniels in a mock chase!

The other highlight was the get together on Saturday night on the Waterside. Peter Mayhew sitting amongst the crowd having a drink and the infamous 'Battle on the Bridge'.

Went home tired but happy after our totally escapist fantasy weekend...we enjoyed ourselves so much we have even discussed the possibility of going to CV!

Thanks for reading, comments welcome.

MTFBWYA.

October 2009

PS I don't think I will be able to make CV as I will be getting married on May 29th.

PPS All photos will be available on photobucket later - I will amend blog accordingly when I get home...

Finally managed to sort out the photos!!!

http://s777.photobucket.com/albums/yy58/cousinitt/Blog1/