Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Celebration
Home » Photography »Last weekend saw one of the biggest celebrations for a much loved TV show – Doctor Who! The show celebrated it’s 50th anniversary with an amazing 3-D special shown simultaneously across the world in close to 100 countries, in cinemas and on TV. Hubs and I went to watch it at the flicks and it was BRILLIANT!
We also went to the ExCeL Exhibition Centre on Sunday for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, where thousands of Whovians descended over the weekend to celebrate this momentous occasion…
With behind-the-scenes demonstrations and workshops, stunts, explosions, monsters, props & costumes, official merchandise and memorabilia – it really is the most exciting celebration a Time Lord and his companion could have. Even if you’ve got 13 lives, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Doctor Who fans young and old.
I loved that we were able to go on the Sunday as the actors and all involved were finally able to talk about the hush-hush episode that had been shown the night before.
Our day started early, driving into London as the trains were not running in our neck of the woods, and then joining a huge queue to get into the theatre for the first show of the day – SFX of Doctor Who. Whilst waiting in line we saw many Whovians dressed up for the occasion – even a cuddly monkey! Could hear a LOT of sonic screwdrivers too!
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The special effects show began with a Dalek being blown up and followed with a fire, snow and wind demonstration. A cyberman then burst onto the stage (yeah, I jumped – they scare the bejesus outta me!) only to be shot down by two of the cutest little Doctors I’ve seen! Fezes are cool! How those little kids didn’t wet themselves in fear I’ll never know!!
Filing out of the theatre, we went upstairs to walk around the exhibition hall to see the TARDIS, costumes and all the other Doctor Who treats on show. It was packed and I somehow missed getting photos of the costumes worn by the 7th, 8th and 9th Doctor :(
The afternoon saw us back in the theatre for ‘Regenerations’ a panel with the 5th, 6th and 7th Doctors…
…Peter Davidson, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy. Each made their own unique entrance to cheers from the audience and the panel was hosted by the voice of the Daleks – Nicholas Briggs.
After a short break, it was time for ‘The Eleventh Hour’, the grand finale panel with Matt Smith, Jenna Louise Coleman, Steven Moffat and Nick Hurran (director of The Day of the Doctor).
Matt Smith came across as such a lovely bloke and I’m going to be so sad to see him go! He fawned over how amazing Jenna Louise Coleman’s hair was, which was hilarious as she thought he was about to say something really profound. She has got amazing hair though!
A short Q&A from members of the audience, one question was “who is everyone’s favourite/scariest monster?” Steven Moffat proclaimed that there was only one answer…the Daleks, Matt put him to rights stating it was the Weeping Angels (I agree – they’re terrifying!) They’re not my favourite though – my favourite are the Adipose!! They’re soooo cute :P
Another question asked was “will you be bringing back River Song?” Steven Moffat explained how her character’s story is finished now and there was nothing further to write about for her, which received boos from the audience! When he asked if he should bring her back, there was a roar from the crowd…I guess time will tell?!
The panel ended with a very moving tribute from Steven Moffat to Matt Smith, and you could see Matt getting emotional with it. Matt then whipped out his phone so that he could have a photo taken – lovely stuff!
Finishing about 15 minutes earlier than scheduled, the panel was wrapped up (a shame!) and with a wave goodbye from the 11th Doctor the 50th Anniversary Celebration star panel was over…
…we did go back into the exhibition hall as my hubs wanted to buy a few things, but it was even more packed than earlier on in the day, so after a quick purchase of some memorabilia, we made a move back to our car and drove home to watch The Day of the Doctor all over again :)
Are you a Doctor Who fan? Who’s your Doctor? Were you at this celebration? I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a message in the comments!
Claire Reeves
February 20, 2014 @ 10:22 pm
Fantastic photos …my 5 year old son absolutely loves this
Michelle Ordever
February 21, 2014 @ 9:03 am
Thank you! How cool your 5 year old is a Doctor Who fan!
Claire GriffithssoontobeAldrid
February 18, 2014 @ 5:41 pm
fantastic photos the weeping angels are creepy expect them to move lol
Michelle Ordever
February 18, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
Weeping Angels are definitely creepy…and scary…creepy scary!
Arranmum
February 18, 2014 @ 12:11 am
Brilliant photos! Agree with you re the Weeping Angels and the Cybermen! Can’t watch the Weeping Angels and the Cybermen , when they’re in numbers, remind me of of Fascists marching :(
Michelle Ordever
February 18, 2014 @ 9:45 am
Oh God, you’re right about the Cyberman = Fascists marching thing :( It’s the stomping of the feet and the relentlessness of them that frightens me! The Weeping Angels are just creepy, creepy, creepy!
Arranmum
February 18, 2014 @ 2:53 pm
yes you’re right and I can’t look at statues now without expecting them to move . when I turn away! EEK!
Michelle Ordever
February 18, 2014 @ 3:29 pm
haha – me too!!! Statues freaked me out anyway, but since the Weeping Angels appeared, even more so!
Kelvington
December 8, 2013 @ 2:29 am
Great photos! It was the best weekend I had in a long time!
Michelle Ordever
December 12, 2013 @ 11:42 am
Thanks :) It was a Whovian’s dream weekend wasn’t it!