Planning continues at a pace for the WightFibre Charity Premiere event celebrating the release of Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker.
Taking place on Thursday 19th December at Cineworld in Newport, the event will be the third hosted by WightFibre in support of UKSA.
The premiere will see almost 300 VIP Guests – including Island Echo competition winners – attend the screening of this latest Star Wars blockbuster, which includes a special VIP Reception and the opportunity to meet and be photographed with many of the characters from the films. The foyer of the cinema will also be transformed into a set of Tatooine for guests to enjoy as they walk the red carpet.
John Irvine, CEO of WightFibre comments:
“Once again, this promises to be a great fun evening. A unique event that allows us to give back to the Island community. Our aim is to raise even more than before to support the important work of UKSA and in turn children from across the Island.”
The first of the exclusive lots has also been announced for the charity auction that will take place prior to the screening. One highlight of the auction expected to draw a lot of attention is a beautifully mounted ‘Medal of Yarin’ complete with corresponding film cells from Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977).
In a famous scene at the end of the film Princess Leia presents Han Solo and Luke Skywalker with the Medal of Yarin; the highest gratitude that the Rebellion’s leadership can grant for their bravery in destroying the Death Star. The medal also features in this latest film.
The medal has been obtained directly from actor and producer Nick Joseph, who played Major Arhul Hextrophon, the medal bearer in this scene and x-wing fighter pilot. What makes this lot even more special is that Nick has agreed to attend the event and will present the winning bidder with the medal. VIP Guests will also be able to meet Nick in the VIP area.
A framed photograph of Darth Vader, authenticated and signed ‘Dave Prowse is Darth Vader’ will also go under the hammer. Original signed and authenticated items such as this are in high demand, ensuring this will be another popular lot amongst those attending this exclusive event.
Ben Willows, UKSA CEO, said:
“UKSA are delighted once again to be the beneficiary of WightFibre’s Star Wars Premier. All monies raised from the event go towards our Test the Water programme which provides all Year 6 children on the Isle of Wight the chance to come and experience the activities we provide at UKSA.
“Since the launch of the programme in 2014 over 6,000 Island students have had the opportunity to Test the Water. Programmes like this can help provide young islanders with life skills, build confidence and deliver a learning experience outside the classroom.
“We have worked with WightFibre for many years and they provide us with a huge amount of support and are grateful to be a beneficiary once again.”
Whilst demand for tickets is very high, competitions will be running across the Island’s media over the coming weeks, giving lucky winners a chance to be at this exclusive VIP event. Keep an eye out for Island Echo’s ticket giveaway soon…
For the first time, an allocation of tickets will go on sale through the WightFibre website from Monday 11th November so that fans of the film franchise have the opportunity to be at the event as VIP’s.
