(Edited Press Release)
Since its first movie in 1977, the retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars has amassed a huge fan following from all over the world. As a tribute to the iconic brand, fans unite annually on May the 4th—a date derived from the iconic phrase “May the Force Be With You”—to celebrate the flick.
In Singapore, a local event organizer Esprimo and Star Wars fans, with the support of Singapore Tourism Board will come together as one and commemorate May the 4th at the second edition of STAR WARS DAY: MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU Festival.
Taking place at the F1 Pit Building, the two-day festival boasts a stellar line-up of activities that celebrate all things Star Wars. Fans can look forward to meeting the founder of 501st Legion, Albin Johnson and his pink astromech droid R2-KT; enjoy band performances by fan group “Dark Empire,” watch out for costume fan appearances; watch the movie under the stars; and much more! The celebrations will also culminate with the STAR WARS RUN Singapore 2018 on the night of May 5.
Here are the three main highlights of the festival:
- Meet Albin Johnson and Pink Astromech Droid R2-KT LIVE!
Star Wars fans are in for a treat! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with Albin Johnson, founder of the international Star Wars costuming organization, 501st Legion. Albin will be making his first-ever appearance in Southeast Asia/Singapore and will be moving around the festival grounds on 4th May from 4 p.m. and 5th May from 2 p.m. Joining Albin is R2-KT, a stunning pink astromech droid custom built by the founder himself.
Get a chance to interact with R2-KT, a pink astromech droid, as well as the master creator behind it, Albin Johnson. Photo by Johnson
- STAR WARS RUN Singapore 2018
The night run returns on the 5th of May at the F1 Pit Building and Marina Bay area. Featuring three race categories this year—from the inaugural 540-m Young Jedi Dash to the competitive 10-km and non-competitive 5.4-km, there is definitely something for participants of all ages or fitness level.
Participants will be able to choose one of two routes—to join the Rebellion on the Light side or be called to the Dark side. Both routes will feature engagement zones that will bring the Star Wars experience to life! There will be members of the Rebel Alliance and soldiers from the Empire to flag off the Light side and the Dark side, respectively.
Runners for the non-competitive 5.4-km can also look forward to being part of a unique flag-off where the Light and Dark side participants will run in opposite directions, under the night sky lighted up with a sensational pyrotechnics display.
Star Wars fans who want to experience their galactic fantasies come to life can still be a part of the big event as the online registration re-opens from April 23 to May 3. Walk-in registration will also be available on race day.
Visitors can snap photos with the STAR WARS lovers who wear their fandom loud and proud as they roam around the festival grounds. Photo from The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and Esprimo
- STAR WARS Day Festival Specials
Be transported to a galaxy far, far away at the two-day festival led by a group of
Star Wars fans, #MAYTHE4THSG & Friends. Come soak in the sights and sounds of all things Star Wars with a special performance by the Dark Empire, Singapore’s very own Star Wars tribute band, who arrange and perform their own rendition of classic Star Wars themes.
Marvel at a display of over 500 vintage and modern toys from 1977 to today, take a photo with Star Wars fans from various fan clubs roaming around the festival grounds in their best costumes and catch a movie under the stars. Look out for an exciting line-up of fun games and activities including a kid’s fashion parade where kids can strut their stuff as their favorite Star Wars characters, the #StarWarsXRoyalSelangor Selfie Photo Contest where participants can win a Royal Selangor Millennium Falcon replica, and a fun pewtersmithing workshop where each participant will take home a STAR WARS RUN Singapore 2018 special edition dish.