On Saturday, May 27, 2023, the sixth edition of Echo Base Con took place, this time centered around Make-A-Wish. For this edition, the event moved to a new location (the beautiful Pathé Amsterdam Noord cinema) where more than 1,500 visitors from all over Europe attended the convention. The event was once again completely sold out, as it was in 2017 and 2019, and we were able to raise a sum of no less than 13.192 euro for charity.
The guests
As with the five previous editions, the event featured special guests from before and behind the scenes. Representing recent TV series, Brendan Wayne (The Mandalorian), Duncan Pow (Andor) and Bonnie Piesse (Obi-Wan Kenobi) attended the show. To help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi , Denis Lawson (Wedge), Dermot Crowley (General Crix Madine) and Caroline Blakiston (Mon Mothma) were present. To top it off, our own Justin van der Lek once again present, who as VFX supervisor at Industrial Light + Magic is a major contributor to The Mandalorian, Ahsoka and The Book of Boba Fett.
Auction
For the third time, an online auction was held in partnership with Catawiki, with all proceeds benefiting charity. Once again, fans and collectors could bid on dozens of diverse and various items, including a Peavey Predator Darth Vader electric guitar donated by Lucasfilm Ltd, a Collector's Edition of Jedi: Survivor donated by EA, a Lucasfilm employee jacket donated by Justin van der Lek and much more.
Activities
One of the main focuses of all Echo Base events is a program packed with activities. If you come to Echo Base Charity Con, you'll be experiencing a day full of entertainment. Besides the various panels with our special guests, presented by Roderick Vonhögen and Dennis Mons, there was also the only screening in the Netherlands of Return of the Jedi as part of the 40th anniversary of that film, a panel on the making of The Mandalorian and, at the end of the day, fans could catch a free screening of the ultimate fan film 5-25-77 .
Convention poster
The official convention poster this time was drawn by Vinz El Tabanas. The limited edition printed poster, measuring approximately 30 x 42 centimeters, was not sold separately and only VIP ticket holders received a free copy.
Watch the aftermovie and photos of the event here:
