If you weren’t one of the 30,000 people in attendance at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023, here’s what it was like to be on the ground.
There’s no denying that being on your feet to meet Star Wars celebrities, show off your cosplay, and queue for panels and events throughout the day is fun. However, no matter how much it might exhaust you, the overwhelming verdict is that it’s energy well spent.
I’m tired, got 4/5 hours sleep each night, My body is sore, mentally tired, my wallet is sore 😂 … AND I wouldn’t change it for a thing! Today is the last day of Star Wars celebration 2023 and I’m nearly crying in the que writing this. Enjoy every moment today #YesSWC2023
— Jonah Edward @ SWCL (@JonahEdward98) April 10, 2023
Plus, you’ll have amusing sights like this one to cheer you up even at your lowest point of the day…
@nerdyhans no theyre truly iconic this was the best part of the day #starwarcelebration#swce2023#starwars#comicon#andor
In general, cosplayers made up a huge bulk of the SWCE population, meaning there’s plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
@garcheeks First day of SWCE 2023 was super fun #starwars #swce #shakemyhandincharacter #lightsaber #jedi #sith
♬ Cantina Bar Theme (From “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope”) – Geek Music
If you’re particularly lucky, you might even find those cosplayers who embody the spirit of their characters, so far as to start offering directions and aid to lost attendees.
Stormtroopers provide directions at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 #StarWars #StarWarsCelebration2023 pic.twitter.com/fCiEnsb87o
— Star Wars Holocron @ SWCE (@sw_holocron) April 7, 2023
However, because it’s such a fulfilling event with plenty on offer for Star Wars fans both old and new, that means there are a lot of people – and therefore a lot of queues. With some questionable entertainment in place for those waiting in them.
Congrats @StarWarsExplain & @MollieDamon on such a huge fanbase!🤩👏 This is just part of the queue for the panel at #SWCE Got there an hour early but already full 😭 @starwars It would be great if these guys could get a bigger room at future celebrations 😃🙏 pic.twitter.com/u6TQWyGozU
— Julia Mueller (@Julia_Namanka) April 8, 2023
I know they're trying to generate a bit of atmosphere, but no queue needs a DJ. Certainly not at 9am. #StarWarsCelebration #SWCE pic.twitter.com/SX9KZ2fz6i
— Andrew F (@TheAndrewF) April 8, 2023
Nonetheless, despite the downsides, it’s still an event with an electric atmosphere and, of course, the all-important announcements that invite fans to get excited about the future of the franchise.
Featured image: Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
