Celebration Europe, a convention for fans, took place at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre located in London from July 13 to July 15 in the year 2007. Notably, this was the first Celebration event to occur outside of the United States. Its primary purpose was to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original Star Wars film, known as A New Hope, which initially premiered on May 25, 1977.
Warwick Davis served as the event's Celebrity Master of Ceremonies.
Celebration Europe mirrored many characteristics of Celebration IV, which had been previously hosted in Los Angeles, California earlier that same year. Lucasfilm presented the convention, while The Cards Inc. Group took charge of its management.
A replica of the Intergalactic Passports, originally used as backstage passes during the filming of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, was a prominent feature. These passports included 10 collectible stamps, each obtainable through participation in specific events at the convention.
On September 25, 2006, StarWars.com made a formal announcement concerning Celebration Europe.
- Jeremy Bulloch ( Boba Fett , Jeremoch Colton )
- Daniel Logan (Boba Fett)
- Temuera Morrison ( Jango Fett )
- Ray Park ( Darth Maul )
- Dave Prowse ( Darth Vader )
- Anthony Daniels ( C-3PO )
The aforementioned individuals were present at the exhibition throughout its three-day duration.
- Mark Hamill ( Luke Skywalker ) (Signed autographs in the Celebration Europe Autograph Hall on Friday and Saturday only)
- Ian McDiarmid ( Palpatine ) (Made a rare public appearance at Star Wars Celebration Europe on Friday, 13th July to help commemorate the Saga's 30th anniversary.)
- Rick McCallum (Producer)
- Billy Dee Williams ( Lando Calrissian )
- Christian Simpson ( Gavyn Sykes , Anakin's Double, BD-3000 ) [3]
- David Barclay ( Jabba the Hutt puppeteer)
- Sean Crawford ( Yak Face and Mon Calamari officer, Return of the Jedi )
- Dermot Crowley ( General Crix Madine )
- Tim Dry ( J'Quille and Mon Calamari)
- Mike Edmonds ( Logray the Ewok and Jabba the Hutt puppeteer)
- Barrie Holland (Imperial Officer)
- Ian Liston (Lt. Wes Janson and AT-AT Driver )
- Matt Sloan ( Plo Koon )
- Danny Wagner ( Mawhonic , ILM Model Maker)
The celebration commenced with informal opening ceremonies, with Steve Sansweet as the host. Special guests, including Mark Hamill and Ian McDiarmid, were introduced. McDiarmid, in a rare public appearance, shared his experiences portraying the Emperor of the Galaxy. Furthermore, McDiarmid announced Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.
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Spanish Star Wars Collectibles
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Collecting 101
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Mexican Star Wars Collectibles
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Autograph Collecting
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Women's Collecting Panel
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Australian Star Wars Collectibles
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Hilarious Star Wars Items
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Danish Star Wars Collectibles
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Swedish Star Wars Collectibles
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Bootleg Star Wars Toys
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Canadian Star Wars Collectibles
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Dutch Star Wars Collectibles
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Star Wars Food Collectibles
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French Meccano to European Trilogo
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Japanese Star Wars Collectibles
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Props and Costumes
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Star Wars Tattoos
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Trading Cards
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Unproduced Star Wars Toys
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International Collecting Panel
Visitors had the opportunity to explore the creations of over 20 artists at Artists' Alley, located within the ExCeL Exhibition Centre. Each artist presented a limited-edition print, exclusively available at Celebration Europe, inspired by the thirtieth anniversary. In addition, they showcased other prints. The limited-edition prints were restricted to a worldwide run of just 250 pieces. The artists included:
- Steven D. Anderson
- Matt Busch
- Joe Corroney
- Cynthia Cummens
- Dave Dorman
- Adam Hughes
- JAKe
- Terese Nielsen
- Cat Staggs
- Allison Sohn
- Ken Steacy
- Chris Trevas
- Jerry Vanderstelt
- Russell Walks
- Brent Woodside
- Marc Wolfe
- Tommy Lee Edwards
- Tom Hodges
- Randy Martinez
- Monte Moore
- Jason Palmer
- Brian Rood
- Tsuneo Sanda
Fans of both Star Wars films and live theatrical performances were treated to a unique experience as Charles Ross presented The One Man Star Wars Trilogy in a specially constructed theater with 2000 seats within the main halls of Celebration Europe. From Friday, July 13th, through Sunday, July 15th, the Canadian actor entertained audiences daily at London's ExCel Exhibition Center.
Lawrence Noble, the artist responsible for sculpting the Yoda statue displayed at Lucasfilm's Letterman Digital Arts Center, crafted a life-sized bust of Grand Moff Tarkin. He sculpted throughout the event's three days, taking periodic breaks.
- Official Celebration Europe website
- Official Celebration on StarWars.com (content now obsolete; backup link)