After a period of over 18 months it was finally time for Fantha Tracks to pack their bag, grab a press pass and head north for 90 minutes up the A38, the M1 and the M18 to Doncaster, home for the day of the latest Unleashed event. As it has been for the last few weeks here in the UK, the weather was close and warm, but that didn’t deter hundreds of atendees turning out for what is likely also their first event for many months.
Taking place at the sizeable Doncaster Dome, Doncaster Unleashed brought together a vast array of dealers and traders, with plenty of interesting collectibles to rummage and mooch through. As always, the Funko Pop phenomenon was on display across the convention, with plenty of new releases available for collectors to pick up, but there was a very welcome scattering of artists with their own products, plenty of t-shirt stalls and in the style of colletibles fairs from days past, stands with stuff from the 90’s to thumb through.
For helmet collectors there was plenty to peruse, with some stunning pieces from New Image Prop Replicas, along with LEGO minifigures both official and fan produced. Loose 10″ and 12″ figures? There were plenty, sat amongst modern carded figures and blind bags while 90’s vehicles sat under tables on top of The Black Series releases from just last year. Everywhere you turned there was something to take a closer look at or check out, and after such a long time away from convention halls it was a breath of fresh air.
Speaking of which, while not everyone wore masks, many people did and the venue had made sure to place bottles of sanitiser everywhere they could, which folks used constantly. As ever in such places there were bottlenecks, and movement got tight, but for the most part people were able to pass each other easily, most folks walking in the same direction around the Dome.
If you were on the hunt for 90’s Power of the Force figures, you were in luck as a number of dealers were selling sets and figures from those waves of 25 years ago, mixed in with a selection of Attack of the Clones figures and much more besides. There was even a Retro series Cara Dune figure waiting to be scooped up.
As well as the dealers there were also photo displays for the kids (and us bigger kids who pretend to be grown-ups) to pose in front of, including a Tatooine droid sale, a very fierce looking Wampa and Yoda’s hut on Dagobah (rootleaf stew not included).
Comic dealers were also on hand, with Star Wars classics from the 70’s through to the modern day and vintage books and guides available. As always it was worth a rummage – two issues of Star Wars Galaxy Collector magazine for £1.00 anyone? – and some treasures were found, along with a look at a signed copy of 1999’s Star Wars #0 – Another Universe Exclusive from Dark Horse.
Heading upstairs to the next floor we were given an impresive view of the convention floor, and this is where the Mos Eisley Misfits costume group were located, bringing Rebels, Imperials down into the crowd to pose for photographs.
Attending the show were four guests from the galaxy of Star Wars. Clem So played a Resistance Trooper in The Force Awakens, a Canto Bight Casino Patron in The Last Jedi, and a guest of Dryden Vos in Solo: A Star Wars Story, while Paul Warren played Varmik in The Force Awakens and a Dowager Alien in The Last Jedi. They were joined by Rogue One‘s Grand Moff Tarkin Guy Henry and The Force Awakens Doctor Kalonia, Dame Harriet Walter.
With the interview stage used to discuss the costuming groups and welcome guests it was here that Dame Harriet came out to discuss her illustrious career on the stage and her lightspeed jump to the galaxy far, far away in her role as Doctor Kalonia in The Force Awakens.
Guy Henry joined the stage host to talk Grand Moff Tarkin, his time in the Wizarding World as Ministry of Magic villain Pius Thicknesse and his 11 years on BBC drama Holby City.
A great day, and a good way to get back into conventions as the big shows start to ramp up for the autumn. Many thanks to the Unleashed Events team for their help and to Dame Harriet and Guy for their time.
