This November, from a galaxy far, far away comes an absolute must see for fans of Star Wars and the silver screen…
One of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters is going on display in a stunning new exhibition brought to you by The Atkinson in Southport!
Coinciding with the release of the highly anticipated movie Star Wars: Rogue One and also the switch-on of Southport’s Christmas Lights, ‘May The Toys Be With You’ will help light up The Atkinson from Saturday 19th November with a grand opening and a special guest!
Stephen Whittle: Principal Manager Museums, Galleries & Operations said: This is a huge coup for The Atkinson and Sefton. It is a very special and rare collection of Star Wars memorabilia and toys that will appeal to all ages. Star Wars is a huge piece of modern culture that brings people together and this exhibition contains something for everyone.”
Chris Tinsley Estate Agents have been announced as the main event sponsor of the new major Star Wars exhibition opening in November. The Southport based company has been in business since 2001 and are huge supporters of The Atkinson with its Director Chris Tinsley being a patron of its charity, The Development Trust and a keen arts supporter.
Chris Tinsley said:
“We are delighted to be able to support this fantastic exhibition; it’s such an exciting event to be involved with and great for Southport and Sefton as a borough. We hope it will bring lots of people into The Atkinson so they can experience the cultural hub that we now have. It really is a jewel in Southport’s crown that we should all support and celebrate.”
The Atkinson has also secured Synergy Printers as the print sponsor for the exhibition. The Wirral based company, also keen Star Wars fans are looking forward to being part of this huge event for The Atkinson . Look out for their postcards soon to be distributed!
Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office records in 1977 no one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 – 1985 an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.
May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape. For little kids and ‘big kids’ alike this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures, and young Jedi may even have an opportunity to dress up and wield a lightsaber themselves!
May The Toys Be With You has an entrance fee of £3 per adult and £2 per child. A family ticket (including at least one adult) is £8 for up to 4 people. Advance tickets for the exhibition go on sale on Monday 1 August please call box office on 01704 533333 or book your tickets online at theatkinson.co.uk. (*There is a £1 booking fee for online and telephone sales and a 2% fee over the counter with a credit card).
Check out the website and social media channels for up to date news and information on the exhibition and the additional programme of events and activities soon to be announced. Plus keep your eye out during the lead up to the exhibition opening for a few different characters in and around town and let us know if you spot them by sharing your images through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #MayTheToysBeWithYou The exhibition runs until Saturday 5 March 2017.