Galactic empire starts here

 


Sarah Scanlan, of Dunedin, and ''Darth Vader'' Murray Devereux, also of Dunedin, in the Octagon ...
Sarah Scanlan, of Dunedin, and ''Darth Vader'' Murray Devereux, also of Dunedin, in the Octagon yesterday. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Dunedin was turned to the dark side yesterday, as Darth Vader took control of the Octagon with the help of his stormtrooper bodyguard.

Murray Devereux and Codey Jones donned the outfits and took a stroll down George St giving out lollies for ''a bit of fun''.

''It's Halloween. We thought we'd just bring a bit of fun and atmosphere to the streets,'' Mr Devereux said.

The pair were surrounded by curious onlookers as they prepared to claim central Dunedin for the Galactic Empire.

''Heaps of people have been looking at us. We've had heaps of photos and selfies taken already, about 70 so far.

''A few people thought we were fundraising for something, but we're just giving out lollies.''

A shared love of Star Wars brought the two together and prompted them to dress for work yesterday as the characters.

''Me and my dad have been collecting Star Wars [memorabilia] for years. I'm 23, so that's about 20 years now,'' Mr Jones said.

The stormtrooper costume had originally been purchased by Codey's father.

However, due to some minor height issues, he was unable to fit.

Mr Devereux is director of the Octagon Night 'n Day while Mr Jones works as a salesman at JB Hi-Fi.

The two decided a walk between the two stores would be a fitting Halloween activity.

''We're just hoping to make people happy and celebrate Halloween,'' Mr Devereux said.

As the pair paraded along George St, onlookers gave worried glances but managed to find the time, despite any fear and confusion, to take a few pictures.

''Go the force,'' shouted one pedestrian as he passed by.

Armed with a wireless speaker, the infamous Jedi rattled off some famous quotes as he made his way down the street, bodyguard in tow.

- Alastair Lynn

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