A Palooza in the Force
On screen, Star Wars is about hope, family, redemption and good vs evil. Off screen, it means different things to different people, the mythology, finding comfort, hope, and inspiration. Maybe its about nostalgia and your happy place. For me, certainly in recent years, its been more and more about community.
There are lots of spaces and creators out there coalescing their own unique slice of Star Wars fandom, bringing like minded people together to share their love, banter and excitement about the galaxy far far away. One of those slices, that I’ve had an absolute hoot getting involved in, is the Star Wars Sessions community. Brought together by Luke Bligh and Matt Hudson.
Luke and Matt met on ‘The Cantina’ forum on the Star Wars Network, only to find out they both worked on the same street in Basildon, the rest is history and the Sessions was born when they launched the ‘Star Wars Sessions’ podcast, a true passion project which debuted on 12th April 2018. If you listen to the pod, attend any of the listener meetups, or join in the conversation online, you’ll find out fast that their unique blend of inclusivity, critical insight and humour has attracted a strong community interested in sharing the love for Star Wars. And lets face it, having a laugh doing it.
In recent years, the UK has been spoiled with opportunities for fans to get together, with a range of larger Comic Cons with Star Wars Guests, as well as smaller Star Wars focused or pop culture events. Proudly based in Essex, the team behind The Sessions decided it was time to bring some of this action to their neck of the woods. Thus the Galaxypalooza will be born.
A physical manifestation of their passion for Star Wars, Galaxypalooza is a ‘Star Wars Sessions Fan Convention’ scheduled for 6th June 2026, bringing the special sauce of the Sessions community to a brand new event which will throw the doors wide open at the Mill Arts and Events Centre, Essex.
The Sessions community isn’t new to events, with in-person watchalongs, live recordings, meetups, and even a Star Wars Celebration afterparty (Bib’s Bash) under the belt. The Galaxypalooza is the natural evolution of this journey for the team and the community. Inspired by bespoke events like Dave Tree’s ‘AndMore’ earlier this year, which brought a tailored and genuine vibe, the team are focused on bringing real care and love to a Star Wars focused event, ensuring fans dont feel taken for granted.
So, what can fans expect from the event? Well, The Galaxypalooza will combine a bespoke mix of on-screen and behind-the-scenes guests, a cosplay contest, carefully selected vendors, and fringe events throughout the weekend. Something for everyone. The team are aiming to bring a small-slice of the Star Wars Celebration spirit to Essex, with an event for the fans, and by the fans. You will feel that this event was lovingly crafted, with the fan, and care for the greatest franchise in cinema, front of mind.
There is a talented all-Essex-based team behind the Galaxypalooza, with a shared vision for the event. Gianni Venturini of ‘Read Five Designs’ has designed some eye catching branding that invokes Star Wars vibes, Jamie Richards provides valuable industry consultation, Dave Dunne (of the Collectors Guild) is supporting development of the vendor lineup, James Bligh is assisting on business practice and tech, with event support from Ryan Harvey and Chris Wiseman’s boots on the ground.
The bases are covered and the wheels are in motion for a stand-out inaugural event. Making the Galaxypalooza a regular date on the Star Wars calendar is part of the vision but, as for any small event without the benefit of big company backing, this will depend on its success. The team is independent and, just like the Sessions podcast, labouring through love and their own resources to make this happen. With the strength of the community, signature professionalism of the team, and the stall set out by early announcements, the future does looks bright.
Updates have begun with some tremendous announcements, sporting real variety. World-renowned movie poster artist Paul Shipper, Bib Fortuna himself Michael Carter (de wanna wanga!), and Read Five Designs will all be there. Jay Manchand (an official Star Wars sketch artist), Jonathan Cass (ISB officer, Andor), Ross Beadman (Sors Bandeam, Revenge of the Sith) and Jama Jurabaev (Concept artist & art director) all join them, to mention a few. There is much more to look forward to with future waves of announcements in the works, always in motion the future is.
Tickets for the Galaxypalooza go on sale today (30th January) - you can grab yours here. To stay in the know fans should also sign up to the newsletter at Galaxypalooza.co.uk and follow the event on Instagram/Facebook. Also, listen to the Sessions podcast for updates, along with brilliant and varied chatter about all things Star Wars. New guest announcements will be updated on the Star Wars UK map.
There is nothing quite like gathering with other fans of the galaxy far far away in an environment set up to nurture community, and amplify the love and excitement it brings us all. The Galaxypalooza, spurred on by the Sessions, looks set to be a stand out opportunity to get your fix. This is where the fun begins, keep your eyes peeled.
MTFBWY
