I’m very pleased about this — Invasion Dublin will be happening at the RDS in Ballsbridge this Easter and, after missing its sister event Invasion Cork last September, it’s entirely possible I might get to go this year.
If the nifty graphic didn’t give it away, Invasion Dublin is a Star Wars convention run by the Emerald Garrison, a 115-strong group of Star Wars enthusiasts who have painstakingly recreated some of the props, vehicles and sets from the movies in stunning detail. On show at Invasion Dublin will be a full-size Y-Wing, an AT-ST Walker and Jabba’s skiff. I’m fairly sure that we can expect a variety of Imperial and Rebel troops and officers, Sith lords and Jedi and a handful of droids. As with many other cons, there’ll be a dealer area should you want to pick up some props and memorabilia of your own. Apparently there was some awesome Stormtrooper armour for sale last year, if your budget stretches that far.
Also on hand will be some of the cast of the movies, including David Prowse (Darth Vader), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett). Fair warning – the going rate for an autographed pictures at last year’s event was in the €15-€20 range, but that might be a small price to pay for a signed picture of Paul Blake, aka Greedo, confirming that he did not in fact fire first. I’ve already started indoctrinating my two year old son on – to quote Kevin Smith – “The Holy Trilogy,” so it’s entirely possible I’m not leaving without some R2-D2 swag, too.
Tickets for the event itself cost from €20 for an adult and €12 for a child if booked through the Invasion.ie website (more if you book through Ticketmaster), with part of the proceeds from the event supporting Irish Autism Action.
The Invasion.ie team have been kind enough to give GeekDad a family pass (admitting two adults and two children) to give away to one of you. To be in with a chance to win, leave a comment suggesting a Star Wars Universe/Real-Life mashup you’d like to see. For example: Rock Band: Figrin D’an and The Modal Nodes. A winner will be chosen this day next week by a highly trained team of Jawas.
