Star Wars Weekend II, City 2, Taastrup, Denmark. 22 & 23 October 2011.

Of all the places I have been privileged to visit, Copenhagen is right at the top! I have been so fortunate to make so many good and true friends there, that the prospect of another visit gives me another goal to look forward to!

Here you see only half the space!

Michael Nielsen and Per Valgreen have moved their event up a notch this Autumn with the move into the City 2 Center outside Copenhagen, affording them ten times the space that the previous venue offered. Also, they had decided to have a larger group of signers for the public including John Coppinger, Simon J. Williamson, Anthony Forrest, Chris Muncke, Alan Harris and myself.

The view in front of our tables.

Our arrival at Kaastrup airport was heralded by a flurry of wheelchairs squeaking, as the geriatric actors emerged from customs to the welcoming smiles of Per and Michael. What a sight we must have been! A convention of 'Ironside' enthusiasts!!! LOL.  We went straight to the venue to set out our stalls in preparation for the Saturday opening. The size of the venue was a surprise, even though Michael had previously posted views of the empty space on Facebook. But there were many dealers, merchants and costuming groups with table displays which made the whole space make sense when people came to visit.

The view to the other end.

Michael and Per had also brought elements from their private collections to make an impressive display of memorabilia in the front display window for all passersby to see and attract them in. As we have come to expect of their superb planning, the show was already covered by having been open to something like 1,500 children during the week and their modest entrance price paid for the entire event! So, the Saturday and Sunday openings with us present signing was icing on the cake and is an example of how such events ought to be conducted.

The exterior window display housing a combination of items from Michael and Per's private collections of artifacts.

 That evening, we went as a group to eat together in the center, where many of us ordered Plankebøf.– steak served on a wooden platter surrounded by piped mash potatoe and a sauce of choice. Absolutely delicious and totally Danish!!!!

Plankebøf. Num num!!!

Arriving at the hotel, we had all been checked-in in advance by Michael and were able to relax and have a coffee and chat before going straight to bed. Next morning, we had a delicious and comprehensive choice of breakfast dishes to choose from and were all on top form when picked up to be taken back to the venue. It was immediately apparent that all the hard work by these two enterprising and lovely people was going to pay off, as a constant stream of visitors passed through the doors. And I was doubly gratified to be greeted by so many friends from previous visits, including the newly rejuvenated Kenn Henriksson, who had already undergone the same surgical intervention I am awaiting, and has lost an impressive 100 lbs!!! Congratulations to Kenn - can’t wait!!!

During the course of the first day, a well guarded secret became public – Alan Harris was finally to be inducted as an Honorary Member of the 501st! This was very much overdue and truly deserved, as Alan is undoubtedly one of the most popular veterans of Star Wars, having played many characters, but is chiefly known for his portrayal of Bossk – The Bounty Hunter. Magnus Mueller – The Orange Charity Gunner and member of the German Garrison - had nominated Alan and the perspex plaque was engraved and ready for presentation. The rest of us are already Honorary Members and so it was with huge pleasure that we all piled in to support Alan as he received his award. I may be wrong, but I believe this is the largest number of Honorary Members present in any Danish venue together. It was wonderful also to have some members of the Nordic Garrison in attendance to welcome the new member to the fold.

The assembled cast of ne'er-do-wells and some of the excellent costumiers present too.

 In addition, My friend Rune Thestrup, also of the Nordic Garrison and founder of the Danish V -group, honored me with the presentation of a certificate. I am supportive of all and any costuming groups – canon and non-canon – who dedicate themselves to furthering the costuming community and charitable works. So, their attendance was also cheering to see, as they had supported the show earlier in the year at the old venue along with other groups.

The excellent members of the V costume group commanded by my friend Rune Thestrup.

Another, much anticipated visitor was Mieszko Kenic, who traveled down from Stockholm especially to meet his Facebook friends, and whom I had already met at the SciFi Bokhandel in Gammla Stad, Stockholm, in June.  Mieszko is an avid autograph collector and was in seventh heaven to have the assembly willing to sign photos and figures for him. Mieszko tends to record every moment of his encounters and post them , so you will no doubt see his Mpegs on YouTube! :)

Avid Star Wars fan, Mieszko Kenic from Stockholm.

But, to be honest, the biggest buzz I get is meeting the next generation. The kids all start out the same way – whispering in their parent’s ear or hiding behind them peering at me. But after a couple of minutes their natural exuberance takes over and they are in full flood! Kids are great! That is why I like smaller shows in general – the chance to chat, answer questions, share experiences and get to know my fellow fan. Corny, but there you are! J Roll on my next visit!

At the end of the second highly enjoyable day. We all look forward to the next chance to meet the fans from Denmark again!