One of Europe's most significant gatherings for Star Wars enthusiasts is preparing to touch down in the West Midlands, offering fans a day of galactic adventure completely free of charge.
What to Expect at Echo Base Live
Echo Base Live will make its 18th visit to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch on Saturday, March 7. The event will run from 10am until 3:30pm, inviting attendees to don their finest cosplay for an immersive experience. The centrepiece will be a sprawling marketplace featuring more than 200 trading tables laden with rare collectables, memorabilia, and exclusive merchandise available for purchase.
Fans will be able to explore iconic displays and encounter life-size models from the beloved franchise. The event will also host a lineup of special guests from the film industry, offering a rare opportunity for meet-and-greets.
Special Guests and Photo Opportunities
Scheduled appearances include actor and stuntman Spencer Wilding, who portrayed Darth Vader in Rogue One, alongside Sebastian Dewing (Senate Guard) and John Fensom (TC-14) from The Phantom Menace. A major draw will be legendary sculptor Brian Muir, whose iconic work includes crafting Darth Vader's helmet, Stormtrooper armour, and contributing to props for classics like Alien and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
While entry to the event is free, photo opportunities with the special guests will incur an additional charge. Fiona Faizey, General Manager at Kingfisher, Redditch, described it as a "fantastic experience for families and Star Wars fans alike" and an "internationally celebrated" highlight of the centre's calendar.
Planning Your Visit to the Kingfisher Centre
The venue is easily accessible, with direct train services running between Birmingham New Street and Redditch from early morning until nearly 11pm. For those driving, the Kingfisher Shopping Centre is just a ten-minute drive from junctions two or three of the M42.
Visitors can easily make a full day of their trip, as the centre also houses a cinema, a play town, a bowling alley, and several eateries including McDonald's, Greggs, and Nando's.
