Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Gloucester feels the Force
For Star Wars fans, young and old alike, the new exhibition at Museum of Gloucester this summer is a treasure trove of memorabilia and rare collectible items from the classic movie franchise.
From a galaxy far, far away, an absolute must-see for fans of Star Wars and the silver screen has arrived in Gloucester. One of the UK's finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters is on display at a “stunning” exhibition in the Museum of Gloucester throughout the summer holidays.
Back in 1977 when the movie broke box office records, no one could have predicted that its merchandise would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys and memorabilia from the film became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 to 1985, an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.
‘May The Toys Be With You’ is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape. The exhibition has already broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country and excitement is building among both the little and big kids of Gloucestershire to catch this “unmissable” opportunity to view these rarely seen treasures.
Exhibition curator Matt Fox, says, “Since first seeing Star Wars as a wide-eyed five-year-old, it has never ceased to fill me with a sense of childhood wonder. A bit of that magic is captured in the fantastical art of the cinema posters and the designs of the vintage toys. It is a privilege to share my collection and some of that magic with you!”
Gloucester councillor Andrew Lewis, adds, “This exhibition is a striking return to form for the blockbuster exhibitions that we have become used to seeing at the Museum of Gloucester each summer. All audiences will find something of interest and we aim to provide something for all interests, whether you are a seasoned visitor or a newcomer to the museum.”
For the latest news about the programme of events around the exhibition, visit the museum’s website (below).
And, once visitors have experienced the Force, they might also want to take a few minutes to enjoy the rest of the museum’s treasures, about 750,000 objects, which tell the story of the city’s origins as a Roman settlement and its development through the Dark Ages and medieval era.
May the Toys Be With You until Sun 30 Sep at Museum of Gloucester W: www.museumofgloucester.co.uk Fb: @museumofgloucester Tw: @museumfglos Insta: @museumofgloucester
