May the 4^th has become synonymous around the world over the years as Star Wars Day with the use of the clever turn of phrase “May the Fourth Be With You”. While not originally created by Lucasfilm or linked to the Star Wars franchise, over the last few years it has been embraced by Lucasfilm and its parent company Disney and used as a day for all Star Wars fans, young and old to celebrate one of the most successful global franchises. So, before you get ready to team up with your Wookies, Ewoks and Stormtroopers – here are a few fun facts about Star Wars Day.

“May the Fourth Be With You” – Interesting Origin

You would be well within your rights to think that the phrase was thought up by some clever Star Wars fan – but funnily enough the first recorded use of the phrase was in The London Evening News on May 4^th, 1979 as a congratulatory message to the newest Prime Minister of the U.K, Margaret Thatcher!

 

Luke Skywalker Day

In 2008, Facebook groups first appeared for ‘Luke Skywalker Day’ using the ‘May the Fourth’ catchphrase before evolving to ‘Star Wars Day’.

 

First Official Celebration

The Toronto Underground Cinema, Toronto Canada was the location for the first organised event for Star Wars Day on May 4^th, 2011. The event sported trivia competitions, costume competitions with celebrity judges and various tributes & mash ups on the big screen.

 

 

Star Wars Day in Space!

On May 4^th, 2015 astronauts aboard the International Space Station paid tribute to Star Wars Day by viewing Star Wars on the space station's newly fitted high-definition projector (also used for video conferences and displaying software… not just intergalactic movie nights!). At the time, NASA Tweeted “Just watching @starwars in space. No big deal” and added the hashtag #Maythe4thBeWithYou.

 

Survey Says: Star Wars!

Even TV game shows have jumped on the band wagon in recent years. In 2017, the very popular Aussie family game show Family Feud aired a Star Wars episode on May 4^th. The night featured two teams of diehard Star Wars fans – ‘Team Star Walking’, members of the longest running Star Wars Club in the world, who went up against the team ‘Jedi Tights’, four male members of the Australian Ballet who became friends because of their love of the Star Wars franchise. The night also saw the release of the special Star Wars Edition of the Family Feud board game.

 

 

Not only are we ready to celebrate Star Wars Day this May 4^th – but 2021 is also the 50^th Anniversary of Lucasfilm!

In honour of this tremendous milestone, we are giving away a Star Wars Prize Pack to one lucky Costume Super Centre customer! Every order placed between the 13/04/2021 and 27/04/2021 no matter how big or small, will go in the draw. The lucky winner will be notified by email and phone on 28/04/2021. Good Luck and start shopping!