A triumphant ‘third episode’ of Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre’s Falcon Family Fun Day took place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 27.

Darth Vader was there, and his Stormtroopers from The 501st Legion, along with Chewie and other characters from the popular franchise.

It was the third Falcon Family Fun Day, the first one in 2022 having attracted hundreds of visitors, being declared a huge success.

The Star Wars-themed event celebrates Pembroke Dock’s unique part in the history of the Lucasfilm/Disney film franchise. It was in the town’s dockyard that the iconic Millennium Falcon spaceship was built in 1979 in a ‘secret operation’ codenamed Magic Roundabout.

A spectacular exhibition at the Heritage Centre takes the viewer through the whole process of building the gigantic film prop, and features a reconstructed segment of the Falcon.

As well as admiring the displays and meeting their favourite characters, visitors could test their aim at the Imperial Target Range With droid racing, lightsaber training for children and adults, and the Stormtrooper scavenger hunt, it all made for a fantastic day.

Winner of the lightsaber raffle, Alfie, was said to be over the moon - or galaxy, and all volunteers were praised for their impressive teamwork. One visitor was Tenby’s Anne Draper, who remarked that it was good to see the museum volunteers out in force, all very friendly. 

“The extra star wars exhibits were interesting,” she aded, “and meeting Chewbacca was great. The guys in character worked hard wandering around talking to anyone and posing for photos.”

Cllr Joshua Beynon said there were still between 50 and 100 visitors towards the end of the day: “It was super positive and nice for people to come out and support one of the assets we have in Pembroke Dock!”

Posting on Facebook after the event, Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre described it as “a completely amazing and wonderful day. 

“Thank you so much to everyone who attended, everyone who contributed, everyone who volunteered - it made for a triumphant third Falcon Fun Day; anyone fancy Episode 4 next year?”