Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Celebration

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!!

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!

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