When Star Wars Celebration 2023 was announced to be in London last year (on my birthday, no less), I was elated. Legitimately. I’ve never been to a Celebtration before. I’d have gone in 2016 if I’d known it was here earlier than a week before it was, but thems the breaks. Anyway, I thought I’d use the opportunity to journal my experience, and give you all a bit of an idea of how things went, from the perspective of someone who’s never done one of these before. So, with that in mind, I’ll hand you over to the me of the night before. Enjoy!
So, I’m writing this from my hotel room, the night before the start of Celebration Europe 2023. I thought it’d be wise to jot down a few thoughts before the main event kicks off. Y’know. Since I’m doing this “diary” thing.
My celebration started, in earnest, at 1pm today. The reality is I’ve been at Celebration, mentally, for the past fortnight. But I digress. Train down to Marylebone, underground to the hotel, and my zone 1 base camp is set up. Being the diligent adult that I am, I thought it’d be wise to actually do the journey from the hotel to the conference centre the day before. I’d selected this hotel because the new(ish) Elizabeth Line runs from the nearest underground station to the ExCel directly, so OF COURSE TFL scheduled works on that specific line for this weekend! Fortunately, there’s a DLR stop pretty close, but still!
I’m glad I did that journey, actually. For a couple of reasons. One, I now know where I’m going. Good job, me. Two, while I got my badge in the post a few weeks ago, I didn’t receive a lanyard. Appreciate that some people didn’t actually get anything before this weekend, but it gave me an opportunity to pick one of those up before the hustle and bustle of tomorrow. But I got a chance to see the place before it really kicks off. Or, rather, see some of the place. Of course, the vast majority of the building was sectioned off. But the artwork that’s hung up is lovely.
A quick trip to the Disney store (the last remaining physical one in the country) to see what cool stuff they have (very little, sadly) and it’s back to the hotel, just in time for the England women’s team vs Brazil. On TV. Not really what you’re supposed to do when you’re in one of the best cities in the world for a weekend, but hey ho!
I think I’m going to head down to a supermarket or something before heading to bed, if for no other reason than to get some fresh fruit in. Yes, I heard all your podcasts. All the survival guides were legitimately very helpful. I’ll sign off on this for now. Next time you hear from me, I’ll be GUSHING.
Alright. Day one, and there’s a lot to get covered. I didn’t particularly want to get there before the queue officially opened, so it was a 7.30am start. Wake up, shower, and out the door by 8. I’d had this plan of going to a sandwich shop on the way to the station to get my lunch, but apparently it was closed for Good Friday, so there went that idea! Instead, I simply made my way to the ExCel Centre with a cereal bar in my belly and not a lot else. I joined the queue at 9, managed to get into the centre by about 10.30, and it was straight into it.
I’d been fortunate to win a spot for the Lucasfilm Showcase in the Galaxy Stage, and I’d got to say that was a weird experience. Watching a stream of a panel with about 3000 other people, which you couldn’t stream elsewhere, was weird!
But what a show, by the way. Andor! Acolyte! Mando! Skeleton Crew! Ahsoka! Films! Indy! They had it all!
My esteemed colleagues covered those topics and more in far greater detail than I could possibly hope to. But, I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes at multiple points through the 100ish minutes of announcements. There was palpable electricity from minute zero, and the explosion was like anything I’ve felt in Star Wars since…maybe ever?
That took a lot out of me. I needed a sit down to recover from the sit-down. The crowds didn’t help. I’ve a couple of criticisms of the ExCel Centre, but the main one is the crowding. Appreciate we’re all pretending that Covid is over, but the main corridor up the middle was super uncomfortable at times. Fortunately, that was only really a serious issue around lunchtime.
So I headed upstairs, sat in the floor, and had a flapjack. And oh my god BB-8 rolled over to me and said hello. Anyone who knows me knows that BB-8 is my guy. My overwhelming day simply wasn’t going to end.
Weird experience; I wanted to get into (one of) the Holonet Stage(s) for the Full of Sith live podcast so I went into the room a little early just to get a seat. Turns out “Star Wars Libro and Comics” were doing their thing and I’d interrupted. A quick apology, and they continued, though I’m stared out by everyone in attendance. Turns out it’s an Italian podcast, I’m the only non-Italian speaker in the room. I’m sure it was fine.
One of the perks of getting into the Lucasfilm Showcase was getting invited back later in the day to watch an advance screening of chapter 23 of The Mandalorian. Absolutely no spoilers, obviously, but seeing it in a crowd was certainly something. I’ve not always clicked with Mando, but this one felt like it hit. And I’m not just saying that because of the experience.
And then I was off home for the day. Barely a moment to peruse the show floor, though I’m sure I’ll find time over the next couple of days. I did pick up a con-exclusive yellow-paged copy of Lydia Kang’s Cataclysm (I’m so behind on the High Rep stuff so I guess it’s sitting in the pile til I catch up), but not much else.
I’ve been to music festivals and stuff in the past, so I really thought I was prepared for what was to come, but I’m far more exhausted than I thought I’d be. I can feel my eyes begging for me to go to bed as I write this, so I’ll listen to them this time.
I gave myself a slightly later start, today. Having spent all day yesterday in the centre, and not having lucked out in the Ahsoka panel, I decided to skip the early morning queue and take have some time away from the hustle and bustle. There’s a breakfast sandwich chain I’ve been obsessed with for a few years that has a few stores in London, so I walked up to Shoreditch and enjoyed “The Fairfax” from Eggslut. Not an ad. Very nice sandwich.
Still, I managed to get into the centre early enough. 11.10-ish, and joined the Forbidden Planet queue. Queues have been the theme of the weekend, and this one did not disappoint. 45 minutes later, and I’m still not on, checking my watch repeatedly, concerned that I may have to bail to guarantee a spot in the High Republic panel. Fortunately for me, I was in by 12pm. Unfortunately for me (my wallet, specifically), there were a handful of early releases (Path of Vengeance, Balance of the Force trade paperback) that tugged at my heart. There was also an 8ish inch Grogu plushie that I fell in love with, but didn’t pick up for some reason. I kind of regret not, because it’s exactly the sort of thing that will 100% sell out, but I’ll try and get back in tomorrow if they have it.
I had one location proper today; the Galaxy Stage. Something I noted yesterday was the sign that made it clear the Galaxy Stage would not be cleared after each panel. That meant from 1pm til 6.30pm, for three panels, I didn’t have to go anywhere. Bliss. Leg one: The High Republic.
Like I said yesterday, I’ve fallen off the THR train a little during this phase. It took me far too long to get through Path of Deceit, and I’ve not yet picked up Convergence, but I adored Phase One, and Phase Three is only months away, so I wanted to see if we’d get a glimpse of that. And a glimpse we got. Every single title of every single adult, young adult, and middle-grade novel for phase three was announced. Comics, mangas, Alyssa Wong! A cavalcade of content announcements to whet the appetite. And, when the end was nearing, something special.
“Ok, is the livestream off?” are five words that always result in something worthwhile. Just for us in the audience Leslye Headland appears to discuss The Acolyte which, as we know, is set within the High Republic-era. The trailer looks every bit as good as it did yesterday, but it feels more special knowing every single person in that room is infatuated with the project. And then, and exclusive; out steps cast member Rebecca Henderson to announce that she will be playing Vernestra Rwoh. Pandemonium in the audience.
I loved that, and carried that good feel through to leg two: an early screening of Young Jedi Adventures. Now, listen, I’m not 5 years old. Nor do I have a 5-year-old. I’m very much not the target audience. However. A High Republic series, with a new droid (RJ-83 is amazing), and a new weird little Jedi guy for everyone to obsess over (Nubs nation is strong)? I’m willing to give up an hour of my time to entertain it, knowing that I won’t miss the third leg of the evening.
Is it good? If i were 5-7, it would be my favourite show, I’m certain. It’s lovely, colourful, and fun. It exists for me of 25 years ago, and I don’t hate that I saw the first two episodes. I can’t imagine I’ll watch it every week ala Mando or Bad Batch, but I can fully see a scenario when I binge it while bored or something. So, I guess yeah, it is kind of good?
The Clone Wars panel was the main event, however, and it was lovely. Dave Filoni regaling us with how he refused to believe the initial call from Lucasfilm was actually Lucasfilm, the core cast getting together and talking about their time getting into the show, it was just lovely. Didn’t like how I was reminded of the fact it’s been 15 years since the film etc was released, but I’m really glad I was in the room for it. The announcement of Tales of the Jedi 2 was a lovely treat, but I was honestly ready for bed. Which didn’t come.
I’d stupidly bought a ticket to a D23 showing of Return of the Jedi in Covent Gardens for that night, and the rush from the ExCel to the hotel and then to the cinema was something else. The room was packed, everyone was excited, and it was nice to see Ashley Eckstein, fresh from the Clone Wars panel, on hand to present the film. Of which I have little to say, ROTJ is ROTJ, and the bigger screen made it a better viewing experience.
I got back at the hotel for about 11.30, and am typing these words at about 12.45. I think tomorrow is my busiest day in terms of panels I need to queue for, so I’m ending this here and getting some much-needed shut-eye!
Another early start, today, as I’d won a slot to the “Villains of the Sequel Trilogy” panel, as well as “Looking back at Obi-Wan Kenobi” straight after, so I was in by about 10.15, and at my seat by 10.30. I’ve got to dedicate a quick word to the “show before the show” hosts, who have brought an immense amount of energy to an incredibly tiring weekend. An awful lot of what they do hasn’t hit with me, but fair play to them for keeping it up.
So, Villains of the Sequel Trilogy. A bit of a mixed bag, for me. Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, and Ian McDiarmid on stage to discuss their contributions to the closing chapters of the sequels. I’m (mostly) a sequels guy, but this one just didn’t seem to land with me. I appreciated McDiarmid’s efforts more than his stage partners, but I didn’t feel overly compelled to stick around until the end. A disappointing hour from the sequel’s only representation.
The Obi-Wan panel, however, was a delight. Can I just say, I love how you can just strike up a conversation with someone over something as minor as the release of a new video game trailer? Some guy watching the new Jedi Survivor trailer in the queue for Obi-Wan caught me peering over his shoulder, and we struck up a lovely chat about Star Wars. Which led to a group overhearing us asking me to repeat the bits about the High Republic panel and BAM: I’ve got friends to sit next to!
The Obi-Wan panel was lovely, by the way. I think everyone present, near enough, was hoping for a crumb of a second season, but it wasn’t to be. What we got, however, was a conversation with Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christiansen, Deborah Chow, Indira Varma, and Vivien Lyra Blair. Everyone was so excited and passionate, seeing their favourite scenes on a big screen with loads of people was delightful as well. A real joy.
Just over an hour later, and I’m back in the Celebration Stage for the one panel I’d been looking forward to since the weekend in London was announced: Disney Parks. Full disclosure: I set myself for disappointment. You see, a “Star Wars” land was announced for Disneyland Paris a few years ago, but it’s been radio silence since. To the point where there have been rumours of its cancellation. Well, I’d got it into my head that this would be the moment its return would be announced. We did not get that. What we did get was a really nice discussion about Galaxy’s Edge, the Galactic Starcruiser, and an update to Star Tours in the coming years. Was I disappointed? Yeah, I was a bit. It was entirely my own fault, of course, but still. I’ll leave my Disneyland Paris ramblings for another day, but if someone wants to get me to Galaxy’s Edge, let me know in the comments. Thanks.
The day was winding to a close thereafter, however I did have a slot in the Celebration Store that evening, where I spent far too much on far too little. Couple of t-shirts, a programme, and a pin badge? I dread to double-check my account at the price of that haul. I did get a chance to peruse the (slightly) quieter show floor, and got suckered into the purchase of a Grogu strap for my watch, which is nice. With that, I’m signing off for the night, ready for the final day tomorrow!
Final day, then, and we’re off to an inauspicious start. Totally forgot that I needed to actually pack my stuff and check out, so that was a fun scramble at 9am. Still, I’d manage to get myself sorted and back to the convention centre by about 11.10, just in time to join the Forbidden Planet queue. And a long one it was. I was really hoping that the small plush Grogu would be available and, sadly, it was not. Shame on me! The Wicket I picked up in replacement sadly doesn’t come close, so I look forward to checking eBay every other day to find one.
I did, however, manage to get into the Visions Volume 2 panel on the Celebration Stage, and what a joy that was. Representatives from every studio involved in the project were present to discuss their offerings, and the sheer pride and passion from every one was a pure delight. And, of course, once the live stream cut, out steps Britain’s finest, Aardman, to give us an early showing of their short; I am your mother. And it’s really, really lovely. I can’t wait for you all to see it.
After that, I met up with fellow Dork Side-ian, Kieren Burt, and used that opportunity to wander. Bought a stuffed Grogu dressed as Father Christmas, a pair of socks that were the wrong size, and made tracks. I wasn’t particularly fussed by the closing ceremony, so saw an opportunity to beat the DLR queues out and get home at a reasonable hour.
And there ends my first Star Wars Celebration. By and large, an absolute delight. I won’t likely make the trip to Japan, nor the editions in the States thereafter, but I do hope it’ll make its way back to some part of Europe in the future. Hopefully, by then, one of the convention centres in the UK will have expanded some (and installed a bunch more water points) to avoid the crowding issues. But really, for what it was, I had a really good time. I can see why people go every single year. Here’s to the next one.
So, yeah. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed attending/writing this! What was your highlight of the weekend? Let us know in the comments!