Star Wars fans flock to Cleveleys as Stormtroopers patrol the beach

On Sunday, July 7, 2026, the seaside town of Cleveleys in Lancashire will host a unique gathering for Star Wars enthusiasts, featuring Stormtroopers on the beach. This event draws fans from around the globe, celebrating the filming of the Disney+ series Andor, which transformed Cleveleys into the fictional planet Niamos.

Star Wars Attraction in Cleveleys

Since the filming of Andor in 2021, Cleveleys has emerged as a major attraction for Star Wars fans. Local resident Jessica Monger, who moved from California to Lancashire, expressed her excitement about the town's newfound popularity. "I still get giddy thinking about it, especially since I grew up in California next to Modesto where George Lucas was from," said Monger.

Filmmaker George Lucas launched the Star Wars franchise in 1977, creating a cultural phenomenon that continues to thrive. The Andor series, a prequel to Rogue One, tells the story of Cassian Andor and his battle against the evil empire.

Community Engagement and Events

The local community has embraced the Star Wars connection, with Monger and fellow fan Neil Trickett organizing events to celebrate this phenomenon. Trickett stated, "We very quickly put a plan together for some kind of free public event." Their efforts have turned Cleveleys into a hub for fans, with hundreds attending gatherings to meet like-minded individuals.

At these events, attendees dress as their favorite characters, take photos, and purchase merchandise. "There is a famous scene where the droid K-S20 picks up Andor and holds him against the wall. So we put a replica droid in that position and let people be held up against the wall by the droid for photos," Trickett added.

The Joy of Star Wars in Everyday Life

Many local residents are surprised to see Star Wars costumes on the beach. Monger enjoys the contrast of characters like Darth Vader wandering around in the seaside town. She noted, "One of my favorite things is when I’m out just kind of like wandering, watching everything and seeing people who didn’t know what was going on. But they happened to be at the beach and there’s a bunch of Star Wars characters and they’re like, ‘this is great, this is amazing.’"

This year's gathering will take place from 10:30 BST to 16:00, promising a day filled with fun and excitement for fans of all ages.