By Leon Azor / Cloud City Collector – for Star Wars Autograph News

Smugglers Star Wars Weekend took place at Brooklands College, Weybridge, assembling the largest Imperial Security Bureau reunion since the filming of Andor Series 2. Fans travelled from across the globe to meet the stars, collect autographs, pose for photo ops, and attend panels offering an up-close look at life on the sets of Andor and within the familiar realms of the Skywalker Saga.

Saturday – Andor Guests!

I arrived around midday and caught up with collector friends who’d been there since doors opened at 10 a.m. The hall was packed early — largely thanks to the popularity of the Andor guests.

My focus was the panels, starting with the Andor Rebel Cast Panel — a 40-minute session with roughly 30 fans, hosted by the Star Wars Sessions podcast team.

Topics ranged from casting stories and on-set experiences to each actor’s personal connection to Star Wars.

A highlight was hearing about the Ghorman set — a massive, fully built outdoor location populated by over 350 background performers, complete with deafening TIE-fighter effects blasted over the PA.

The ISB Cast Panel explored the Empire’s political structure and its modern parallels.

Ben Bailey Smith reflected on seeing Return of the Jedi with his father at age five — and how an AT-AT toy that Christmas sealed his lifelong love of the Empire. Calling his Andor role a “dream come true,” he also confirmed he’ll appear at London Film & Comic Con — a great chance for collectors to meet him again.

Other guests recalled the secrecy of Project Pilgrim, the show’s audition codename. Anton Lesser admitted he insisted on meeting Tony Gilroy before signing on, confessing he wasn’t sure what he was getting into. These panels were intimate, well-hosted, and offered genuine insight into the world of Andor.

Afterward, cosplayers and families joined the guests for photos — a brilliant sight.

My friend picked up some fantastic Andor autographs! Jamie Hillier is long standing, and well respected collector in our community, you can follow his journey at Carbonite Collector

Here’s some more Andor Guests signing for another legendary collector Neil Warren, you can follow Neil’s Collecting adventures at SW Chronicles Collection

Sunday – Original Trilogy Legends

Sunday brought a shift from Andor to the Skywalker saga with guests from across the eras bought together to meet fans for signings and photo ops!

First up for me to meet was Michael Carter who played Bib Fortuna in Return of the Jedi. I had Michael sign a vintage series collection figure, I really like how these figures look signed and they display nicely!

Next to meet was Chris Bunn, a Stormtrooper from A New Hope. I’ve met Chris many times before at smugglers events, this time he signed my Vintage Collection figure.

Next to meet was Laurie Goode, sharing his famous “bumped his head” story. Feeling unwell on set, he recalled: “Dodgy stomach — I broke wind, stumbled, hit my head on the blast door!”

He suspects the shot stayed in because “it was the only take with the blasters in the right hand.”

I added Chris to my 8×10 official pix Stormtrooper multi piece.

Koo Stark was a rare treat — a gracious, talkative guest who clearly enjoyed herself at the event meeting fans. We spoke about art and music before she signed my 8×10 OPX photo.

Beside Koo stark was Anthony Forest, who added his signature to complete the piece.

Both Koo and Anthony were on location in Tunisia and and performed the characters Cammie & the Fixer along side Garrick Hagon and Mark Hamill who played Biggs and Luke Skywalker. This Scene was cut from the theatrical release but can be seen as extra footage on the DVD or Disney + platform.

I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Herring once again following my recent trip to echo base live. Brian discussed his Rogue One puppetry work on Bor Gullet (operated by 25 people!) and SE-2. Brian Signed my Rogue One poster.

A fan himself and involved in every Disney-era production — including current work on Ahsoka Season 2 and Star Wars Star Fighter he’s always a favourite with collectors to meet. Brian’s next stop is Thank the Maker, an event celebrating 10 years of The Force Awakens, organised by Dave Tree from All the Cool Stuff. Limited tickets are now available HERE

Finally, Eileen Roberts kept her promise to me from Echo Base Live to bring a rare behind-the-scenes Cantina photo for me.

Final Thoughts

Smugglers Star Wars Weekend absolutely delivered — bringing together 15 Andor guests, the largest line-up yet at an event to date! Panels were lively, guests engaging, and the trader hall buzzing with energy. No one was rushed, and signers added character names and quotes when asked — a real treat for collectors.

Once again, Smugglers proved itself a fan-focused convention that keeps its heart where it belongs — with the fans. Organiser Richard Friend has hinted at a return next year, with expanded facilities at Brooklands College, promising an even bigger event.

Keep an eye on the Smugglers Facebook Group for announcements, if this ones anything to go by you wont want to miss the next!

Join the Star Wars Autograph News Community Group to chat with fellow collectors in real time share your autograph adventures and connect with others.

For the latest guest appearances, visit our Find a Signer Database — now listing over 500 appearances worldwide.

If you’d like more convention and signing coverage, follow me across platforms as Cloud City Collector.
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