Making the obscenely early rise for the drive to the airport at 3.30am, it was hard to muster much excitement for my trip to Essen. When it is for the daily grind of work it is not quite as exciting as making the trip to a Star Wars Celebration – but here I was presented with the opportunity to scout the venue, hotels and entertainment a few months prior to the show, I had to take it.
Faced with a flight transfer at Amsterdam I had come prepared for the stop start journey, a preview copy of Dan Brown’s latest novel, Inferno. I hoped that this trip would not replicate Dante’s Devine Comedy with a descent into the ten levels of hell…
Feeling conspicuous by the loud dust sheet cover which was drawing attention, or perhaps it was the fact I continuously rotated the novel like a mad man whilst trying to read a cryptic poem in the form of a spiral – I decided perhaps this trip was not the best place to begin a read of the (at that time) unreleased novel, I tucked it back in my case.
It struck me as I placed it away that the central character Robert Langdon famous for his Mickey Mouse watch was quite a good metaphor for this trip. Time was now ticking down on Disney’s first Celebration as owners of the Star Wars brand. Yesterday (27th May) represented 60 days to show time.
It’s an exciting and fresh time in Star Wars fandom, we stand on the cusp of a new series of films, under new ownership and stewardship. It may not all be to our liking or taste, but there is no argument that we live in exciting times. Langdon’s reason for the Mickey Mouse watch – “a reminder to stay young at heart” and “take life a little less seriously” is something we should be mindful of moving forward, let’s not put the stress and strain of expectation that we did to the prequels – lets just enjoy the ride, it’s going to get interesting…
Landing in Duseldorf I had the challenge now of commuting to Essen without being fluent in German. The airport staff were extremely helpful, and directed me on to the SkyTrain and towards the Flughafen Bahnhof (the central rail station at the airport). From there I boarded the bullet train (S-Bahn S1) headed towards Dortmund Hbf. The timetables for this route was coloured yellow and labelled “Abfahrt.”
It took about 35 minutes to reach Essen Hbf. The cost was around 10 euros each, vended from a “VRR” ticket machine, but there was adequate counter service if you were hesitant of what ticket you needed. There are multiple services from Duseldorf to Essen, so getting a service should be straightforward without too much delay. I understand that these tickets are also good for in an around Essen on the tram and bus services, but I did not try this out. Note the station name “Essen Hbf. (Essen Central.)” Don’t exit early at Essen Eiberg, Essen Steel Ost, or Essen Steele as you enter the city. Trains from ICE, Intercity, Eurocity and InterRegion all operate this same route so the choice is yours.
From Essen Central take the Stadbahm underground / subway system. Train route 11 goes to Messe Essen fairgrounds, and lets you alight on the East, West or South gates. Most of Celebration Europe II takes place in the East of the building and this is the general area you will want to head to.
If you opt to make the drive to the Messe, then you are about 25 minutes from Duseldorf, with the Rhine-Ruhr motorways A52, A3 and A40/42 all passing by the fairground. Taxi’s are fairly reasonable, and you are sure to find fellow fans heading your way to share the cost.
The fairground is substantial, consisting of a number of halls. On this trip I had access to Halls 10, 11 and 12, as I scouted exhibit space for my day job. Celebration Europe II will consist of hall 9 for ticketing and entry, Halls 5, 10 and 11 for the main show, with hall 12 for the Celebration Store. Stages will be held in the side rooms referred to Halle Essen as the Digital Stage, Halle Ruhr for the Fan Stage, and Halle C for the University. The Grugahalle will be the Celebration Stage. (All of this is of course subject to change, keep checking the ever-changing schedule on the Official Site
The planned set-up looks set to continue the highly successful layout of CV and CVI, with large spacious entry and holding areas, before progressing into Hall 10 and 11 as the main show floor, with hall 12 at the reverse acting as the store. Halle 5 will feature much of the photo ops, and fan groups. I did not see this location, but by the floor plans it appears to be a little isolated from the rest of the show – I don’t think that in reality this will be the case as the buildings flow well together elsewhere on the site. In either case, you will want to make a point of checking out the amazing fan props and groups occupying this area – don’t miss it!
The Celebration Stage located in the Grugahalle is a beautiful building and very spacious. It could hold up to 7500 people depending on how they utilise the facility. Based on the guests, and the potential surprises and news we all hope for filling this space will not be a problem!
Celebration Europe II will take about a third of the fairground, and this is more than adequate to make a great show, with comfortable space and a great mix of cool zones to relax away from the bustle of the show – the organisers have really picked an unusual but great location. Essen may be on the surface a strange pick of city, not your standard tourist town known mainly for its coal and industrial heritage. I hope and suspect that its location so close to Belgium is a nod to the amazing Belgium fan prop builders for all that they have done for all prior Celebrations. They certainly deserve fan plaudits for all that they do for the fan experience, and this is about as close to their home as you may wish for. I expect and wish for great things from them as this show that will continue to dazzle and amaze us.
I counted at least five good restaurants within the fairground offering a mix of local and European foods. Certainly a nice balance of meal choice for the casual visitor here for a three day show, I would expect some form of exhibit catering within the halls as well. If you prefer to eat off site for that much needed show break, you could do no worse that a walk into Grugapark, where you will find some great eateries, and beautiful surroundings if you want to picnic out. Be prepared to pay a small gratuity for park entry however, common practice in Germany, but perhaps unusual for UK or other European nationals.
Those staying at the Atlantic Congress hotel will fill find the location ideal with a short walk to the fairground, you really could not get any closer. Those staying within central Essen will find the journey by car, taxi or subway easy and relaxing. Hotel choice is not critical for this location. Access to the facilities is easy, and there is a huge amount of available parking at reasonable prices. Whilst I visited during the Big Bike Europe 2013 Show, access to bus, taxi, and underground was relatively simple and should not cause anyone any real issue.
Those wanting some serious entertainment or a range of pub choice will want to travel into central Essen in the evenings. There is not as much on fairground or in the vicinity to the fairground as you would have found in Orlando. If you want a quiet drink, then the bars and cafes in the Grugapark offer that alternative on site. Those staying in central Essen may find an advantage here.
The one downside of Essen is perhaps its less than stellar family entertainment. Any city would pail in comparison to Orlando, but Essen offers very little. There are a number of very elegant theatres and concert halls, but perhaps this is not catering to the Star Wars communities’ desires from this trip. If you seek some countryside retreats head south to Lake Baldeney for sailing, animal sanctuaries and amazing scenery but I suspect that many visitors will come to Essen for the show, and depart to other parts of Germany or Europe to extend the holiday.
Those staying in Essen will find that the Grugapark is the perfect chill out area with some 70 hectates of inner city parkland to explore and relax in. It has great walks, wildlife, bird sanctuaries and many organised fairs and attractions during the summer. Of course just announced is the 30th Anniversary Return of the Jedi screening under the stars – the perfect tribute, and a great opportunity to picnic out and enjoy a movie classic. The Grugapark remains open until dusk.
Also located within Grugapark is a traditional German Therme – or Spa. A great experience to heal the body after a busy show in its special salt waters, but do be aware that when I say traditional I mean traditional, which includes the traditional German Spa swimming costume, or rather the lack thereof – perhaps not for the easily offended or all the family. Our UK prudishness won’t pass here!
For a cultured day out why not try the Folkwang Museum, designed by Britain’s David Chipperfield, and housing centuries of amazing pieces of German history. I can also recommend the gourmet restaurant Vincent & Paul for a beautiful evening meal. There is also what you may consider an odd choice, but bear with me – the Zeche Zollverein, a coal mine. It does not sound exciting, but it is a fascinating place to visit. It is now a world heritage sight, and regarded as “the most beautiful coal mine in the world.” Well worth the trip if you have the time.
Essen is far from the smoking stacks of old, and now is a very cultured and beautiful city; take the time to enjoy it as you embrace Celebration Europe II.
I certainly came back from the trip buzzing for the show, and now can barely wait. From what we have heard about the show so far, this has the potential to be the best Celebration show to date. The organisers have really excelled themselves in the planning of this show, six months ago I admit to having had doubts of how committed Lucasfilm would be to the show with so much going on in and if it is half as good as my expectation it will be an amazing three days. Get your tickets now.
With thanks to Big Bike Europe for use of their images and to messe.essen.de for the floor plan. Visit the official Celebration Europe II site here.