Star Wars memorabilia to go on show

An exhibition featuring one of the UK's finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters is coming to a galaxy not so far away.

Called May the Toys be with You, the event will be staged at Beverley Art Gallery from 6 June to 29 August.

Alongside the Star Wars treasures, there will be themed events and activities aimed at families, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said.

The exhibition has been announced to mark Star Wars Day, which is held each year on 4 May as a play on the phrase, "may the force be with you".

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: ''This new and exciting exhibition will give families and visitors alike the opportunity to experience memorabilia from one of the most famous film series of all time.

''Those who come along will be able to get up close to the collection, exploring iconic figures such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo."

An estimated 300 million Star Wars action figures were produced between 1977 and 1985.

Matt Fox, who owns the collection and has curated the exhibition, said he saw Star Wars as a wide-eyed five-year-old on his first outing to a cinema. He purchased his first figure – Darth Vader – that same day.

"Now I'm an adult collector, but I don't think I've ever really lost that wide-eyed joy when acquiring new pieces for my collection," he added.

''I am very pleased to be able to share the collection with everyone who comes to the exhibition."

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