Aliens Invade Torquay Museum

Some of the most terrifying aliens ever to stalk our Galaxy are about to descend upon Torquay Museum for its blockbuster summer exhibition, Alien Invasion, which runs from 1st July until 7th September. It will showcase stunning costumes and props from some of the best sci-fi movies and TV series ever made, including Star Wars, Dr Who, Alien, Predator, Robocob, Terminator and many more.

The exhibition will be officially opened at Torquay Museum at 10.30am on Saturday 4th July by ex Dr Who girl Anneke Wills who starred alongside two of the earliest Dr Whos, William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton, from 1966-67. Anneke now lives in Liverton, near Newton Abbot, and will be signing copies of her new autobiography.

Anneke will be accompanied at the launch by a moving, talking Dalek, courtesy of Charity Daleks, and two walking Star Wars Storm Troopers and a Darth Vader, courtesy of Torquay Star Wars enthusiast Simeon Miller and friends. Museum visitors are warmly welcome to attend the launch and anyone who comes dressed as their favourite alien will get into the exhibition free of charge.

"We're really excited to be hosting this stunning exhibition," said Barry Chandler, Curator of Collections at Torquay Museum. "I'm a big sci-fi fan so am delighted that we have some great Star Wars props, including Darth Vader's costume, a Storm Trooper, Yoda, Chewbacca's head, C-3PO's head, and a light sabre."

"But we have so much more besides," continued Barry. "We also have an impressive collection of Dr Who costumes and props, ranging from a huge exact replica of the Tardis to a Supreme Dalek that can move and talk. Thanks to local Dr Who collector Robert Monro and his Torbay Tardis Travellers group, and Aidy Davies of Charity Daleks, who have kindly loaned us items from their amazing collections."

Also on show will be a full-scale Alien, from the Hollywood blockbuster starring Sigourney Weaver, along with an Alien egg and the creepy Facehugger that injected the alien into John Hurt's stomach. The Predator will also be on display, as will the Terminator head, a full-sized Robocop, an alien host from X-Files, Mars Attack Martians, and Marvin the Martian.

There will also be a local Devon angle to the exhibition, with David Phillips of Torbay Investigators of the Paranormal providing details of local UFO encounters and sightings, which will be incorporated into the exhibition.

"We think that this exhibition will appeal to sci-fi fans, film buffs, big kids and little kids alike," says Torquay Museum Director Ros Palmer. "After the success of last year's Titanic exhibition, the Museum is confident that this fantastic Alien Invasion exhibition will be just as popular."