New Irish Science Fiction Association

Confirmed reports indicate that there has been an invasion of intergalactic troopers who have arrived in Dublin to kick off the Invasion Dublin event taking place at the New CityWest Convention and Exhibition Centre over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, 3rd-5th April.

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away, pass through the portal to Ireland’s largest ever celebration of science fiction which will showcase costume characters, life-size space craft and themed sets and backdrops by Emerald Garrison along with original actors from the Star Wars movies.

Don’t let this moment be lost in time - sci-fi enthusiasts and families alike will have the opportunity to view for the first time ever, a life-size recreation of the Y-Wing fighter constructed by the world renowned Emerald Garrison. Follow your own path to the show and check out some of the other amazing life size sets and props including a Scout Walker (20ft tall), Skiff (30ftlong), Emperors Throne Room Set (16ftx10ft), Cantina Band Set with Band Members (14ftx10ft) a fully working R2D2 Droid a Deathstar Wall Set and much more.…

The Invasion brand in sci-fi conventions is so strong that five actors from the original Star Wars movies will be keeping on the right side of the dark side for the event and will include, Boba Fett (aka Jeremy Bulloch), R2-D2 (aka Kenny Baker), Darth Vader (aka David Prowse), Mon Mothma (aka Caroline Blakiston) and General Madine (aka Dermot Crowley) who will all be on site to meet and greet, have their photos taken with and sign autographs for the fans.

Visitors will also be to get up close to costume characters while they perform re-enactments and drills from the movies that many have dreamed of. You’ll also be able to view memorabilia, comics, books, DVDs, artwork, costumes, galactic treasure, toys, artifacts and other material. The team behind Toys 4 Big Boys is bringing Invasion to Dublin and it is sure to be a great day out for all the family, a fun experience and the atmosphere will be electric.

According to Martin Ryan, the creator of the Emerald Garrison: “Nowhere else in the world will you ever be able to fulfill your Star Wars dreams....sitting side by side with the Emperor himself. This event attracted over 13,000 people in Belfast last year and we are delighted to bring it to Citywest. The craftsmanship of the Emerald Garrison's prop builders has to be seen to be appreciated and their attention to detail and quality is outstanding. The lifesize Y-Wing is jaw dropping, the immense scale of this famous rebel starship is something to be seen"

Be part of Ireland’s greatest ever science fiction event and make your way to Citywest. €1 from each Invasion Dublin advanced ticket sale will be donated to Barretstown - www.barretstown.org

Tickets for Invasion Dublin are now on sale at www.tickets.ie/invasion . Prices start from €10 for adults and family or group tickets from €30. No booking fee required and Car Parking is free at Citywest Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Barretstown - What happens at Barretstown?

Barretstown provides a unique Therapeutic Recreation programme through a fun, activity based process of challenge, success, reflection and discovery - backed by the medical world - which helps children affected by serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem. Hospitals’ primary focus is on the physical effects of serious illness, Barretstown helps to heal the emotional scars.

The children who come to Barretstown have often spent a long time in hospital and have been denied ordinary childhood experiences such as making friends, developing independence and social skills. At Barretstown they are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and take on challenges such as performing on stage or climbing a 40ft tower (other activities include fishing, horse riding, face painting, archery, canoeing, photography, music, pottery and cooking). Through their successes they stop seeing themselves as sick kids and use their new-found confidence and skills to deal with the challenges of their everyday lives.

Barretstown has served more than 18,000 children and families. Each year the charity’s dedicated fundraising team must raise €5 million so that more children and families can attend these life changing programmes. 96% of this money must come from voluntary sources including individuals, community events and corporate partners.

For more information visit www.invasion.ie.