An exhibition is coming to The Beacon Museum that will celebrate the cultural phenomenon that is the Star Wars franchise.

The visually stunning May The Toys Be With You exhibition opens at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven on Saturday, April 27, showcasing one of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters.

When released back in 1977 no one could have predicted that Star Wars would break box office records and no one could have predicted that the merchandise would go on to earn even more than the film itself, especially as it took so long for it to hit shelves.

The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation with an estimated 300 million action figures sold between 1977 and 1985.

May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the original trilogy of Star Wars films.

From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape. 

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “For little kids and ‘big kids’ alike this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures.

“This exhibition has broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country, and we’re excited for its first ever visit to Cumbria.”

On the opening day, April 27, of the exhibition, the West Cumbria Cosplayers will be visiting the museum, and the 501st Garrison visiting on Tuesday, May 28.

Owned and managed by Cumberland Council, The Beacon Museum is open daily 10am – 4.30pm during school holidays. During term time it is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm and Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Closed Monday.

Last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing.

Every first Sunday of every month, they hold a ‘quiet hour’ for the first hour of opening (11am – 12pm).

The exhibition runs between Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, July 13.

You can find out more at the museum’s website.