MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
THE force will be with Gold Coast Star Wars fans this month as the beloved science fiction saga celebrates its fourth decade.
Today kicks off a month of celebrations around the work to mark the 40th anniversary of the original George Lucas film’s 1977 release.
Local fans from the 501st Redback Garrison have marked the occasion by strapping on their screen-accurate costumes and climbing the Q1’s Skypoint to get the city’s best view.
Scenes of Stormtroopers and officers of the Empire’s Imperial Navy on the peak of a skyscraper wouldn't be out of place in the film franchise’s city planet, Coruscant, and have become a favourite way for fans to indulge in their love of the saga.
The local celebrations will culminate with the annual Stormtrooper weekend which will be held at Dreamworld on May 27-28.
Gold Coast-based garrison commander Adam Lochowicz said fans had much to celebrate.
“This is the eighth year we have done this and it has grown every time,” he said.
“This year we will have more than 150 different characters, with everything from imperial officers to jedi and Darth Vader to Boba Fett.
“Star Wars is still popular after 40 years and it is safe to say it is not going anywhere.”
The Stormtrooper weekend will raise funds for charity TLC for Kids.