Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories

30/12/2025

“I have friends everywhere.”

It’s a line borrowed from our AndMore show, but it perfectly captures how I feel about Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories.

Although this post comes a few weeks after the event, it truly needs to be said: thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and believed in what was a huge undertaking to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Force Awakens in Fordingbridge. It was something very special, and I’m incredibly grateful to have shared it with so many of you.

My deepest thanks go to our incredible guests:
Neal Scanlan, Kevin Jenkins, Jake Lunt-Davies, Martin Rezard, Brian Herring, Lee Towersey, Oliver Steeples, Sonny Merchant, Katy Coleman, Kiran Shah, and Matt Stirling.
Your insights, generosity, and stories created an unforgettable experience.

A huge thank you to Pablo Hidalgo for joining us as guest moderator, and to Kristen Hidalgo and Pete Vilmur for helping make the event possible.

Heartfelt thanks to The Rebel Legion, UK Garrison, Impatient Potato , No More Heroes, Lucky McQueede and Zuveum for creating such a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere throughout the weekend.

To the amazing team who ensured everything ran smoothly and that everyone had the best possible experience:

Moderators: Mark Mulcaster & Mark Newbold.

Stage Management: Martin Keeler & Paula Mortimer.

Operational Management: Andrew Mortimer, Stuart Horswell & William Keeler.

Design & Production: Chloe Stevens.

Film & Editing: Matt Holt.

Your dedication, professionalism, and heart were the soul of Thank The Maker. You deserve the highest praise and my deepest thanks.

Thank you also to our local supporters: The George, Fordingbridge , Chevrons Living and Valerie Read.

Across the weekend, we collectively raised £1,200 for The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal — an incredible achievement.

AndMore and Thank The Maker have, I believe, set a new standard for Star Wars events — and we can’t wait to bring you more ... AndMore ;).

Much love,
Dave

19/12/2025

See the original designs for Rey's Star Destroyer scavenging from Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang's striking new collection.

19/12/2025

16/12/2025

10 year look back of The Force Awakens with Pinewood Studios

09/12/2025

What a day!!!

Thank you to everyone who attended Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories, it took Fordingbridge by storm and I hope you had as much of an amazing as we did.
Here's a selection of our favourite pictures through the day, which really capture the spirit and the fun had by all.
Please feel free to share any of your own pictures, stories and favourite moments below...

07/12/2025

Today is the day.
The line-up is incredible, we hope you are as excited as we are.

Schedule:
10:00 - 10:15 Doors open, pass pick-up and welcome. (Town Hall)

10.15 - 11:00 Panel 1 - Creature Feature (Town Hall)
with Kiran Shah and Katy Coleman.
Moderator Mark Mulcaster.

11.15 - 12:00 Panel 2 - Starting From Scratch (Town Hall)
with Neal Scanlan.
Moderator Pablo Hidalgo.

12:00 - 12:25 Signing Session 1 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

12:30 - 13:15 Panel 3 – Stunt Department (Town Hall)
with Matt Stirling.
Moderator Mark Newbold.

13:15 - 13:40 Singing Session 2 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

13:45 - 14:30 Panel 4 – Concept Design (Town Hall)
with Martin Rezard, Jake Lunt Davies and Kevin Jenkins.
Moderator Pablo Hidalgo.

14:30 - 14.55 Signing Session 3 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

15:00 - 15:45 Panel 5 – Droid Shop (Town Hall)
with Lee Towersey, Oliver Steeples and Brian Herring.
Moderator Mark Mulcaster.

15:45 - 16:10 Signing Session 4 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

16.15 - 17:00 Panel 6 – Props Department (Town Hall)
With Sonny Merchant.
Moderator Mark Newbold.

17.00 -17.30 Fundraising Auction and Closing Ceremony. (Town Hall)

06/12/2025

🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT! 🚨
If you thought we were done, you were wrong. Join us tomorrow, Sunday December 7th, at Fordingbridge Town Hall, Hampshire for Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories a celebration of the talent, passion, and artistry that brought Star Wars: Episode VII, The Force Awakens, back to the big screen.

🎉 ELEVENTH GUEST ANNOUNCED!
Please welcome Kevin Jenkins, Production Art Director for Lucasfilm and Supervising Art Director for Industrial Light & Magic for The Force Awakens.

Whether you're a hardcore fan, a behind-the-scenes buff, or just love great Star Wars stories – this is one event not to miss.

🎟️ This is your last chance.

👉 Book now before they’re gone!
https://allthecoolstuff.co.uk/collections/all-the-cool-stuff-events/products/thank-the-maker-the-journey-behind-the-star-wars-stories-ticket-pre-order

03/12/2025

Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories Event Schedule.
Here is the breakdown of the incredible packed line up for the day. Please note the majority of the event takes place within Fordingbridge Town Hall, except for the 4 signing sessions for autographs, which will be held next-door to the Town Hall at the shop Jessica, 59 High Street.

10:00 - 10:15 Doors open, pass pick-up and welcome. (Town Hall)

10.15 - 11:00 Panel 1 - Creature Feature (Town Hall)
with Kiran Shah and Katy Coleman.
Moderator Mark Mulcaster.

11.15 - 12:00 Panel 2 - Starting From Scratch (Town Hall)
with Neal Scanlan.
Moderator Pablo Hidalgo.

12:00 - 12:25 Signing Session 1 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

12:30 - 13:15 Panel 3 – Stunt Department (Town Hall)
with Matt Stirling.
Moderator Mark Newbold.

13:15 - 13:40 Singing Session 2 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

13:45 - 14:30 Panel 4 – Concept Design (Town Hall)
with Martin Rezard and Jake Lunt Davies.
Moderator Pablo Hidalgo.

14:30 - 14.55 Signing Session 3 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

15:00 - 15:45 Panel 5 – Droid Shop (Town Hall)
with Lee Towersey, Oliver Steeples and Brian Herring.
Moderator Mark Mulcaster.

15:45 - 16:10 Signing Session 4 (Jessica)
All guests (apart from panelists on next scheduled panel).

16.15 - 17:00 Panel 6 – Props Department (Town Hall)
With Sonny Merchant.
Moderator Mark Newbold.

17.00 -17.30 Fundraising Auction and Closing Ceremony. (Town Hall)

This event is approaching towards sold out, there are still limited tickets available.
👉 Book now before they’re gone!

This is an advance booking of ticket options available for Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories event on Sunday 7th of December 2025. Join us for a must attend spotlight on the creative process behind Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, just in time for its 10th anniv...

03/12/2025

Make the full weekend an epic Star Wars experience by joining us at Farthest From, The UK Star Wars Retro Toy Show on Saturday too.

Rediscover the toys that started it all at Farthest From, The UK Star Wars Retro Toy Show
Meet fellow collectors, and reconnect with the stories and memories that made Star Wars so special.

**FREE PARKING AT NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL CONTROLLED CAR PARKS ON SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER**

🎟️ Tickets only £7.00 — nostalgia has never been stronger with the Force:
👉 https://allthecoolstuff.co.uk/collections/all-the-cool-stuff-events

The toys you loved. The memories that never faded. The galaxy that keeps calling you back.

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

PALPATINE: Did you ever hear the tale of "Happy Whale Sausage"?

ANAKIN: No.

PALPATINE: I thought not. It's not a story the Jedi would tell you, plus its only just been announced. It's a legend. Something that has nothing to do with Whales or Sausages. It is a night of curry, beer and Pablo Hidalgo talking to a small group of fans about the 20th Anniversary of Revenge Of The Sith.

ANAKIN: Pablo will host a talk about Revenge Of The Sith, and there is beer and curry?

PALPATINE: Beer and curry is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural.

ANAKIN: Is it possible to attend the event?

PALPATINE: Not without booking.

Psssst want to be part of an exclusive Friday night get together?
Lucasfilm's Pablo Hidalgo will be hosting a special talk celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Revenge of The Sith. This event is SUPER LIMITED on space, but will afford you the chance to sit, listen, learn and talk with Pablo in an intimate setting for a Friday night. Book your ticket now: https://allthecoolstuff.co.uk/collections/all-the-cool-stuff-events/products/farthest-from-friday-happy-whale-sausage-ticket

29/11/2025

Just one week remains until Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories on Sunday, December 7th, at Fordingbridge Town Hall, Hampshire.

As part of the event, there are three signing sessions through the day with participating guests. Here is a breakdown of guest signing costs:

Pablo Hidalgo signed copy of Star Wars The Blueprints £35
Pablo Hidalgo signed copy of Acolyte Visual Guide £20
Jake Lunt-Davies £20
Martin Rezard £20
Lee Towersey £20
Oliver Steeples £10
Brian Herring £30
Kiran Shah £35
Katy Coleman £25
Matt Stirling £20
Sonny Merchant £15

Whether you're a hardcore fan, a behind-the-scenes buff, or just love great Star Wars stories – this is one event not to miss.

👉 Book now before they’re gone!

This is an advance booking of ticket options available for Thank The Maker - The Journey Behind The Star Wars Stories event on Sunday 7th of December 2025. Join us for a must attend spotlight on the creative process behind Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, just in time for its 10th anniv...