Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back,” Lucasfilm and Reed Exhibitions’ PopGroup will partner to produce what’s expected to be one of the largest official Star Wars fan events ever – Star Wars Celebration V will take place Aug. 12 to 15, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center. A Web site, www.starwarscelebration.com, is dedicated exclusively to the event, and tickets to Star Wars Celebration V will be available for purchase online starting Thursday, Dec. 10.
Lucasfilm launched Star Wars Celebrations in 1999. Since then, the official Star Wars “parties” have become mega events, attracting tens of thousands of loyal and devoted fans and families. To date, there have been four Star Wars Celebrations in America, as well as a Star Wars Celebration Europe (2007) and Star Wars Celebration Japan (2008). Star Wars Celebration V will be the first Star Wars Celebration produced jointly with Reed PopGroup, which is responsible for the successful New York Comic Con, the new Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) and more.
“We’re going to have a blast commemorating the 30th anniversary of fan-favorite ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ as we welcome an entire new generation of fans watching our animated series ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars,'” said Steve Sansweet, Lucasfilm’s head of fan relations. “There’s no doubt that Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando will be the ‘must attend’ event for Star Wars fans of all ages and from all parts of the galaxy,” he added. “We’re also very excited to launch our partnership with Reed PopGroup, which has shown great expertise in running large, fun-filled events that satisfy fans, show participants, and exhibitors. We’re expecting the biggest and best Celebration to date.”
“This is an enormously exciting undertaking and a natural partnership,” said Lance Fensterman, vice president of Reed PopGroup. I’m certain that Star Wars Celebration V will be bigger and better than ever. We look forward to many years of working with Lucasfilm.”
Star Wars Celebration is the official Lucasfilm convention celebrating all things Star Wars. The Celebrations are the biggest Star Wars events held. The producers promise more interactive events than ever at Celebration V. Celebrity guests will sign in the Star Wars Celebration Autograph area as well as make presentations. The annual Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge prizes will be awarded and there will be a chance for budding filmmakers to get tips from more experienced ones.
Ticketing, pricing, and exhibitor information follows:
• Tickets will be available starting Thursday, Dec. 10 via www.starwarscelebration.com. Pre-sale Adult Four-Day Passes are $120; Kids Four-Day Passes are $50; pre-sale Thursday, Friday, and Sunday Passes are $45; Saturday Passes are $50; and Kids One-Day Passes are $25. Children under six years old are admitted free.
• Limited VIP Packages are expected to be available in early 2010, with details to be announced on the Web site. Single or Four-Day Passes already purchased can be upgraded to VIP status as long as supplies last!
• Special hotel rates and other travel information will be announced on the Web site.
The event will be held just before the Star Tours ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios closes down (October 2010) to be transformed into Star Tours II in 3D. It’s expected to reopen sometime in 2011. Read more about Star Tours planned makeover in the upcoming Winter 2010 issue of “Orlando Attractions Magazine.”