Dorchester Strikes Back 2024 was originally slated to be held on May the 4th, but with so many Star Wars events happening on that date globally the organisers, The Jedi Archives Store in Dorchester and Star Bores Podcast, decided to postpone until August 3, 2024.
It was looking like a well-prepared itinerary, including appearances by Jez Allinson (The Running Stormtrooper), UK Garrison, Mando Mercs, along with a raffle, interviews on stage, spot prizes and cosplay competitions for both children and adults. All money raised from the raffle tickets and event patches would be going to the MS Society and Kingfisher Ward under Dorset County Hospital Charity.
It was always my intention to do my utmost to attend and support this inaugural event, but logistics were a bit extreme for me. It’s 180 miles away from my home to start off, so not just round the corner for me. But, as my cousin, Jason ‘Hondo’ Ling, who is a regular contributor to Star Bores and occasionally for Jedi News, was putting in so much effort, I thought I needed to make that extra ounce of effort to be there for him.
As if a 4:15am alarm call and non-stop 3 hour 180-mile journey wasn’t already an epic start to my day, not long after my arrival, I got slightly more than I bargained for. I was there to help support and be there for my cousin, right? Well, that’s what I thought until I found out that due to a last-minute withdrawal, I was now being promoted through the ranks very quickly, and surprisingly I was going to be Jason’s co-host on the stage for the event.
The event kicked off just after 10am with an opening troop into Brewery Square. Around 200 people were in their places as the local town crier rang the UK Garrison and Mando Mercs into the arena. The crowds were then encouraged to join those in uniform and have their pictures taken.
Jez Allinson joined Jason on stage for the very first Star Bores Live Podcast and talked about his amazing achievements as The Running Stromtrooper, including his epic fund raising and Guinness World Record. It was nice to see Jez out of his armour for a change. He was also setup in the Jedi Archives store where he was chatting with people, posing for photos and even signing autographs.
Later in the day the second Star Bores Live Podcast featured the Mando Mercs. Jason this time was talking to Simon Spencer (Tak’ur) and Wayne Marper (Alor’ad) of the Vok’Chi Clan. They spoke at length about what the Mando Mercs do in supporting Star Wars events around the UK.
Throughout the day, spot prize competitions with quizzes, Star Wars poses and impersonations of Wookiees and TIE Fighters kept the crowds entertained. There was also a drone photographer capturing moments from the event and I can’t wait to see the final results of what they filmed.
The children’s cosplay competition was won by the cutest Jedi youngling we have ever seen. Amelia was there with her parents, who were both sporting their own brilliant cosplay outfits as well. For her costume she won a Funko Pop Jawa which was then going everywhere with her for the rest of the day. All the children who entered were given a bag of sweets, so everyone was a winner.
Later in the day, Amelia’s dad won the adults competition for his down and out Clone Trooper from the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series. He was awarded a medal by Princess Leia as all the others there in cosplay formed a guard of honour for him.
The day closed out with the raffle draw. Up for grabs were replica lightsabers, art prints, board games and loads of books. The books for the raffle had been donated by Jedi News. After the prizes had been distributed, it was time to reveal that over £1000 had been raised for the two charities by the raffle alone, and I believe that total is now over £1200 with sales of the event patches and other donations. Then all that was left was for Jason and me was to declare that Dorchester Strikes Back 2024 was over.
For the organisers and crew, it was then time to dismantle the stage and sound equipment. Special thanks go to The Jedi Archives and the local Wagamama branch, who supplied well deserved refreshments for the crew for an after party in the store.
Okay, this review may be a little biased as my involvement in the day took an almighty twist from the moment I arrived. But I must say this, it was a brilliant community event. The warmth and friendliness of those attending was truly overwhelming.
I must say a personal thank you to a few people. Firstly, to Ben Rivers and the staff of The Jedi Archives. I walked into the store as a stranger at 8am, but they made me feel so welcome from the first second I arrived. The Jedi Archives store is unique and amazing being Star Wars centric and I would advise any Star Wars fan in or visiting the area on holiday, it is a stop off you need to make. The UK Garrison, Mando Mercs and Jez Allinson were their usual brilliant selves, nothing was too much hassle and always happy to go the extra mile to make special things happen for people. The team at Seventh Seal for keeping us fuelled with coffee and Wagamama for their supply of much needed sustenance after the event. The people of Dorchester who attended DSB24, you were amazing! All of you willing to be involved and sharing your love of Star Wars within your community. You made this event extra special, so thank you! And lastly, I need to give a shout out to my cousin Jason. Thank you for asking me to join you on stage and help. I had a blast… well actually, we had a blast. I tip my hat to you and Ben for putting on such a great event.
I am so proud to have been involved, but even more so because I have now been asked to reprise my role of co-host alongside Jason to do it all again next year. So, Brewery Square in Dorchester, Dorset, UK will be the location you all need to head to for Dorchester Strikes Back 2025 on Saturday 2ndAugust 2025. More pictures from this event and details for next year can be found on the Dorchester Strikes Back website.
Hope to see you all in Dorchester next year!
