Star Wars cosplayers raise over £20,000 for Yorkshire charities

Members of the Phoenix Squad, a Star Wars costuming group, appear at shopping centres and public spaces across Yorkshire to perform and raise money for local charities.

The group features members dressed as iconic characters such as Darth Vader and stormtroopers. They have visited several locations including Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield, Flemingate in Beverley, the Broadway in Bradford, and Lakeside Village in Doncaster. Participants invest heavily in their appearance, with some spending up to £4,000 to create screen-accurate costumes.

The squad uses these public appearances to engage with the community and bring joy to children. While the group is known for its Star Wars theme, directors say they welcome members of all ages who may not even be fans of the franchise. The group has grown significantly in the last year, expanding its membership to reach different communities across the region. The fundraising efforts have provided substantial financial support to various organisations.

The group donated £10,000 to Brainkind and £10,299 to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. They are currently raising funds for Forget Me Not Children's Hospice and plan to continue their activities with events scheduled in Hull and Beverley later this year.