Sci Fi Scarborough

Oh We Do Like To Geek Beside The Seaside

This week the greatest show on earth once more hit the sunny shores of Scarbados in the guise of Sci-Fi Scarborough, back for its 11th and best year. The weather was forecast for drizzle but words were had and glorious sunshine was all we saw. Once again the organisers looked after us well with a great spot to set up as well as free hotel rooms for those that needed it and free parking included for the weekend.

As always it was a good turn out of builders (15 – was a clean 20 but some sadly unable to join us) will some very long car journeys for some – a big thanks for making the effort. Most were back for repeat visit, knowing already, that this is the not to be missed, social event of the year. Even Doug came along in order to steal some ideas for Glasgow. It was also not only the English debut of the newest R2-KT ambassadroid from Scotland but also the maiden voyage of Doris 2.1.

After a quick set up for most on the Friday and a settle in to the hotel, it was off out for a beer before heading to the Italian for Julian’s birthday party complete with sparklers before heading off into town to party the night away with a couple of builders, who won’t be named, rolling in after 2am.

DAY 1: Saturday: After a leisurely start for some on the Saturday morning, there were a number of MOTs performed ready to start the season of droiding, some retests as well a new R2D2 on the portal and ready for action. That’s where things started to go a little downhill…….. New awards were given out – 1 faceplant, 2 walk of shames (no Doug, battery issues do not exempt you from this). There was also a vicious, calculated assault on R2D2 by Chopper resulting in a stoved in front power connector.

Some new nicknames were tried out. Not sure how many will stick.

The event its self was bigger than ever and a better use of the space available, some great vendors and unique stalls as well as some fun guests, I’m always a fan of meeting Danny John Jules. Once more we were put in the Starwars room with Outer Rim Props, NYPD (North Yorkshire Props Department) and the Guardians of Kashyyyk, it’s always fun being teamed up with these amazing builders & costumers.

The Saturday morning also saw a visit form Look North, kudos if you recognise which builders legs are seen in the clip.

After all the fun (as well as natural weathering, magic smoke, droid-on-droid violence and unplanned pushing) it was off to the Geek Pub Quiz where Droidbuilders dominated, we would have gotten 300 out of 250 questions but they decided that there too many of us and so we were split into 2 teams and came in both 9th and 5th places (out of 25 teams before the comments roll in). More food including the worlds tiniest fish burgers and it was straight off to the events own Sci-Fi themed after party.

A fab turn out again for the after party. The themed cocktails were back on the menu and once again the Klingon blood wine did not disappoint, even the non alcoholic version was pretty good, to the point we managed to drink them dry of the ingredients, so we had to move on to Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters.

Day 2: Sunday. A late start time of 11am was very much enjoyed by those feeling that they had already done a full weekend and allowed for some tinkering time for those more sensible of us.

A new species of Star Wars fan (no I don’t mean John) came over to the Droidbuilder stand for an investigate. There was a Star Wars panel that was enjoyed by many and some dubious driving skills resulted in some new signage being brought into use. We also had a musical masterclass pointing out the errors in the cantina band song – I’ll never be able to un ear them now.

It took until the last hour but Alex managed to get his Duckling built and powered up, he hasn’t taken his first steps yet but there is power everywhere and it’s looking good to be walking around at Makers Central next month. The 39.1%ers were out in force today entertaining the public with their usual style of “drive it like you stole it” with both JD and Sarah giving Julian a run for his money in the drifting droids department.

Oh yeah – more droids…….

Then before an emotional farewell it was time for the group shot (done twice as Steve had decided to not be a part of being in the first one) along with the founders of the event.