Norwich and Star Wars go together like R2D2 and C-3PO. In honour of May 4th (Star Wars Day) we look back at the fine city's history of celebrating all the things that have come from a galaxy far, far away.
As Star Wars mania swept the planet between 1977 and 2005, Norwich locals jumped on the bandwagon and made the most of the craze. One man in particular created a name for himself among fans of the films by opening a store devoted to the franchise.
Gary Moxon owned the Star Wars Emporium on Lower Goat Lane in the 1990s selling specialist collectors items such as Lightsabers, Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, Darth Vader masks and character mugs.
His store was more popular than ever in 1999 during the lead up to the release of Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, the first Star Wars film to be released in 16 years following Return of the Jedi in 1983. Everyone was unsurprisingly excited for the film, especially those working at the old Odeon in Anglia Square.
Following this, merchandise quickly became a hot commodity, Lego Star Wars hit the shops the same year and aside from the Star Wars Emporium, Norwich based toy store Kerrisons was the place to go for popular figurines and toys, while early copies of the Phantom Menace video could be purchased at the former Virgin Megastore on Castle Meadow.
In the early 2000s Norwich fans really got to feel the power of the force as the first ever Norwich film fair was held at Blackfriars Hall. Notable guests included Warwick Davis who portrayed Wicket the ewok, Raymond Griffiths who played the Gank Droid and R2D2 himself, Kenny Baker.
Today, force fever still grips the city. Norwich Star Wars Club has been going strong since its conception in 1999 and has raised a lot of money for various charities as well as having organised several big events in the city.
• Do you know of any other connections between Norwich and Star Wars? Share them in the comments below.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here