A landmark exhibition of vintage Star Wars toys, posters and memorabilia is coming to Darlington to celebrate 50 years of the famous film franchise.
May The Toys Be With You opens at Hopetown Darlington on January 9, 2027, showcasing one of the UK’s finest Star Wars collections.
Curated by Star Wars superfan Matt Fox, the exhibition features rare action figures, vehicles, playsets and original promotional artwork.
Mr Fox said: "Fifty years after the original film first appeared on cinema screens, its impact continues to be felt across generations.
"This exhibition celebrates not only the toys and collectibles that became such an important part of childhood for millions of people, but also the incredible creativity and imagination behind them.
"We are thrilled to bring May The Toys Be With You to Darlington and look forward to sharing these nostalgic treasures with visitors from across the region."
Released in 1977, the first Star Wars film became a global phenomenon and spawned one of entertainment’s most successful toy lines.
Matt Fox began collecting Star Wars toys at five after seeing the original film at the cinema.
Over the decades, he has built one of the UK’s finest collections of vintage toys, cinema posters, prototypes and memorabilia, which has toured museums and galleries nationwide.
The exhibition has toured venues including Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, Beverley Art Gallery and The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury, attracting record visitor numbers.
Councillor Libby McCollom, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: "This exhibition is a fantastic addition to Hopetown's events programme and another example of the exciting experiences available throughout the winter months in Darlington.
"It offers something for families, collectors and film fans alike, while helping attract visitors to the town and supporting our wider cultural and tourism offer."
Hopetown will add themed activities throughout the exhibition’s run.
Visitors can expect Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion, galactic craft workshops, an astro-photography pop-up and a Star Wars Takeover Day during February half-term.
Full-size X-wing starfighters and landspeeders will also be on display.
Leona White-Hannant, development director of Hopetown Darlington, said: "We're delighted to welcome May The Toys Be With You to Hopetown.
"The exhibition combines nostalgia, creativity and popular culture in a way that appeals to a wide audience.
"With additional themed activities in the works throughout the exhibition period, visitors will have plenty of reasons to return and experience everything on offer."
The exhibition runs until March 21, 2027, at Hopetown Darlington’s Carriage Works.
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Tickets are available at www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/maythetoysbewithyou.
May The Toys Be With You is one of the UK’s most successful touring film and toy exhibitions, attracting thousands of visitors of all ages.
The exhibition gives fans and collectors a rare close-up look at original and vintage Star Wars items while introducing a new generation to the galaxy far, far away.
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