A galaxy of Star Wars memorabilia is heading to Darlington next year as a touring exhibition celebrating the toys that became almost as famous as the films prepares to land at Hopetown.
May The Toys Be With You opens at the railway heritage attraction on January 9, bringing together rare action figures, vehicles, playsets, original cinema posters and promotional artwork collected over several decades.
The exhibition marks 50 years since George Lucas’s original Star Wars film arrived in cinemas in 1977, launching a franchise that would change both the film industry and the toy market.
For generations of children, the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Darth Vader continued long after the cinema credits rolled, thanks to a range of toys that became a merchandising phenomenon in their own right.
The collection belongs to Star Wars enthusiast Matt Fox, whose fascination began when he watched the original film as a five-year-old.
He has since amassed one of the UK’s leading collections of vintage Star Wars merchandise, including rare prototype items and original film posters.
“Fifty years after the original film first appeared on cinema screens, its impact continues to be felt across generations,” he said.
“This exhibition celebrates not only the toys and collectibles that became such an important part of childhood for millions of people, but also the incredible creativity and imagination behind them.
“We are thrilled to bring May The Toys Be With You to Darlington and look forward to sharing these nostalgic treasures with visitors from across the region.”
The exhibition has already toured museums and galleries around the country, including venues in Leicester, Beverley, Basingstoke and Canterbury, attracting thousands of visitors.
Its arrival at Hopetown will be accompanied by a programme of Star Wars-themed activities, with appearances by costumed characters from the 501st Legion, a worldwide organisation of fans known for recreating costumes from the films.
There will also be galactic craft workshops, an astrophotography pop-up and a special Star Wars Takeover Day during February half-term.
Among the larger exhibits promised are full-size X-Wing Starfighter and Landspeeder vehicles, offering visitors the chance to get a closer look at two of the saga’s best-known modes of transport.
Leona White-Hannant, development director at Hopetown Darlington, said: “The exhibition combines nostalgia, creativity and popular culture in a way that appeals to a wide audience.
“With additional themed activities in the works throughout the exhibition period, visitors will have plenty of reasons to return and experience everything on offer.”
May The Toys Be With You runs from January 9 to March 21, 2027, in the Carriage Works at Hopetown Darlington. Tickets and further information are available at hopetowndarlington.co.uk.