Few movies have had quite as much cultural impact as George Lucas’s Star Wars (1977), later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
The film introduced audiences to characters such as Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford). It also changed the landscape of science fiction filmmaking and launched one of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time.
Star Wars: A New Hope 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Now, almost 50 years later, Lucasfilm is preparing an extensive celebration of the movie that started it all. With the franchise approaching its landmark anniversary in 2027, fans can look forward to everything from theatrical re-releases and new comic books to immersive exhibitions.
Among those confirmed projects is Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy, an official exhibition making its world premiere at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute on February 13, 2027. The 18,000-square-foot exhibition will feature iconic props, costumes, and interactive environments from the franchise’s history.
Meanwhile, a newly restored version of the original Star Wars will return to movie theaters on February 19, 2027.
The anniversary celebrations will extend into publishing, too, with upcoming releases including Star Wars: A New Hope – Triple Take, a graphic novel retelling the original adventure through the perspectives of Luke, Leia and Han, and Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles, an unprecedented crossover bringing characters from both universes together.
Before the 2027 celebrations even begin, however, an official Welsh-language version of A New Hope, titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, will premiere on S4C on Christmas Day 2026.
However, the celebrations won’t be confined to movie theaters, comic book stores and museums, as the original galaxy far, far away story is also coming to some of the UK’s most prestigious concert venues.
Related: ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ Gets Official Extended Version for 50th Anniversary, Lucasfilm Confirms
Star Wars in Concert
For fans looking to experience the original 1977 masterpiece on a grand stage, promoter Senbla has officially announced Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert, a regional UK tour beginning in March 2027.
The production will feature a screening of the complete film while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ Oscar-winning musical score in synchronization with the action. The initial regional tour dates include:
- Sheffield City Hall: Sunday, March 21, 2027
- Birmingham Symphony Hall: Thursday, March 25, 2027
- Glasgow Royal Concert Hall: Saturday, March 27, 2027
The Star Wars Weekender
While the regional tour offers fans an opportunity to experience A New Hope with a live orchestra, the celebrations will reach another level at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
From April 29 through May 2, 2027, the prestigious UK venue will host Star Wars Weekender, a four-day event featuring the original trilogy performed live in concert by the London Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestra, which famously recorded John Williams’ original scores, will accompany screenings of all three original movies, with six performances spread across the four days.
The schedule includes A New Hope on Thursday, April 29, and Saturday, May 1; The Empire Strikes Back on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1; and Return of the Jedi on Sunday, May 2.
For a franchise celebrating half a century of cinematic history, 2027 promises to be quite the anniversary.
Will you be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Wars by attending one of these special live concert events? Let us know in the comments below!
