THE UK GARRISON and 501st LEGION
I recently found this article here written about the 501st Legion. Interesting!
The United Kingdom Garrison (UKG) of the 501st Legion
is the foremost Star Wars costuming group in the UK. It is part
of the ever growing 501st Legion, which itself, is the largest costuming
group the world has ever seen, whether Star Wars related or not.
The 501st UK Garrison was formed by the late Graham
Campbell in 1999, and has grown from a small number of members to
a very large, organised costuming group. The goal was to be the
very best at what we do, and in the UK, this goal has been reached
and surpassed.
The UKG’s reputation has grown over the last
few years, built on the high standards of costuming, and the dedication
to professionalism. Our members take pride in the authenticity of
their costumes, and endeavour to stay in character whenever in costume.
With the UKG, you are seeing Stormtroopers, Vader, Bounty hunters...Not
just people dressed up as them!
This has enabled the 501st UK Garrison to be present
at the highest level of Star Wars related events in the UK and further
afield. We have worked with some of the biggest names in the Star
Wars industry, and have added "colour" to many marketing
and promotional activities for Lucasfilm and their companies. However,
we also are very proud of our charity work.
As the 501st Legion and their Garrisons are a "zero
profit" entity, we do not charge for our appearances. Instead,
we ask that a donation is made on our behalf to our nominated charities.
Last year (2005), we raised over £30,000 for our charities,
which include Children In Need, Make a Wish Foundation and MediCinema.
We have supported other, less known charities and funds too, and
are pleased to work with them on an ad-hoc basis.
Lucasfilm have been extremely gracious in allowing
us to operate using their Intellectual Property in order to raise
funds for our communities and charities. It allows us to enjoy this
hobby to it’s full extent, whilst raising money for worthy
causes.
