The force is strong for Star Wars takeover at West Suffolk exhibition

13 Jan 2025

The force is strong for a Star Wars takeover day at a West Suffolk exhibition celebrating props, costumes and nostalgia from the best Sci-Fi and Action films.

It’s the forty fifth anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back this year, a film that saw Harrison Ford’s Han Solo mutter “And I thought they smelt bad… on the outside” as he sliced open a Tauntaun to prevent Mark Hamil’s Luke Skywalker from freezing to death on the ice planet Hoth.

Prop maker Michael Whiteley, who created the Tauntauns will be bringing an animatronic head of the beast for the takeover day at Moyse’s Hall Museum on Saturday 1 February.

As well as Empire, Michael has also worked on Return of the Jedi, the Indiana Jones series, Titanic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and many more.

He will be joined by professional cosplay group Vader Raiders dressed as some of the most beloved Star Wars heroes and villains.

The takeover forms part of the final weekend of the annual Sci-Fi and Action Exhibition at the West Suffolk Council run museum, celebrating everything from 50 years of Wolverine to 40 years of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The exhibition in Bury St Edmunds also features costumes worn by Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, and George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray in The Monuments Men.

And there’s props galore for visitors to enjoy from Captain America, Wonder Woman, Band of Brothers, Terminator 2 and much more.

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said: “If you’ve already been to our Action and Sci-Fi Exhibition what better excuse do you need to return. Hear from Michael Whiteley about his fascinating career working on some of the big screen blockbusters including the original Star Wars trilogy and meet the Tauntaun he created. And if you haven’t visited and are a Star War fan, then come along on 1 February and meet a host of Star Wars characters who will be joining us for this special takeover day.

“It’s all part of our continuing investment in leisure and culture for our communities to enjoy and to help them thrive.”

The exhibition runs to Sunday 2 February 2025.  Admission costs adults £5, Child/Student (aged 6 to 16) £3, concessions £4.50, under five get in free but must be accompanied by an adult.
The Museum is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm (with last admission at 4pm) and on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm (with last admission at 3pm).

Advance booking is recommended - see the Moyse's Hall Museum website. 

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