As we leap into 2018, it’s time for me to start thinking about which conventions I am going to attend this year (don’t forget to look at the upcoming events panel on the right-hand side of the page if you want to know what’s ahead).
First up is a trip to the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh on 3rd – 4th February for Capital Sci Fi Con. Now in its 3rd year, Capital Sci-Fi Con sticks out for me by not only having a great line up but also being a not-for-profit convention.
The organiser, Keith Armour, is clearly a man on a mission as the first show raised an impressive £37,680 and the second an outstanding £75,150.68.  All profits from the event go to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, Rachel House Hospice, Kinross. A noble cause and all involved should be proud of themselves.
The talent announced so far include:
Boba Fett himself – the always wonderful Jeremy Bulloch. Don’t forget he played Captain Colton in Revenge of the Sith as well though!
Despite appearances in Doctor Who, Harry Potter and many other shows, Jimmy Vee will be known to us mainly as R2-D2 and this is an ideal opportunity to meet him.
Angus MacInnes played Gold Leader and is one of the stars of Elstree 1976Â – I am pretty sure that there will plenty of x-wing pilots lining up to get his signature.
Plo Koon, Bib Fortuna, Daultay Dofine, Lott Dodd and Rune Haako – all played onscreen by Alan Ruscoe.
Having spent the weekend at his table at Farthest From last month, I can personally vouch that Paul Kasey is not only a key player in the new films but also one of the nicest people you could meet. His CV is impressive having played Admiral Raddus, Edrio Two Tubes, Ello Asty as well as C’ai Threnalli in The Last Jedi (and briefly in The Force Awakens).
Another incredibly nice guy to meet is Ian McElhinney, who did a great job of portraying General Jan Dodonna in Rogue One.
Stephen Calcutt has the rare privilege of having stood in the shoes of both Chewbacca and Darth Vader – he worked on all three of the orginal films as a stand in!
If comics are your thing then there plenty of opportunities to meet the people behind the paper. From a Star Wars viewpoint, you have artists Tanya Roberts and Nick Brokenshire (who I am mentioning here as he is the lead singer and guitarist of Blues Harvest so will be known to a lot of us).
There are opportunities to have your photo taken with Star Wars reproduction props. These include The Wampa Cave, Speeder Bike, Jabba the Hutt, Droids (R2-D2, BB-8 and R5-D4) and a Landspeeder. I am excited to see that Chopper from Rebels will also be there! You can also expect to see members of the UK Rebel Legion and the 501st UK Garrison in costume – so make sure your camera has plenty of battery power!
As if the two day event didn’t keep you busy enough, Keith has not forgotten that you will need entertaining on the Saturday evening. There are two further opportunities to immerse yourself in the experience with “Dinner with the Stars” and the “Aftershow Party”. If you have ever wanted the opportunity to have dinner with a star from the saga this is your chance. I was lucky enought to have experienced this at the equally wonderful Star Wars Fan Fun Day in Burnley. It is an amazing experience and a real opportunity to spend some quality time talking to people that you normally you only get a brief meeting with. The “Aftershow Party” promises to be a blast with “Psychic Conman Mentalist – Ash Pryce”, “The Great Big Geek Gameshow” and a Silent Disco featuring numerous DJ’s. The full line up of DJ’s have not been announced yet but trust me if you like Star Wars (which you must do if you are reading this) you do not want to miss this!
If you can’t make it, I will be sure to take lots of pictures and update Fantha Tracks with what is going on. However, if you can go, then I suggest you do. You will have a great time and help raise money for a great cause.
Tickets are available here (and if you see me don’t forget to stop and say “Hi”).