History of The Rebel Legion
So what is the history of the Rebel Legion? Where did we come from and how long have we been around?
Much like the fictional Rebel Alliance, the Rebel Legion was formed as a response to the growth of the The Fighting 501st Legion, originally in the USA. For years the 501st had grown and their presence was felt at nearly every science-fiction and fantasy convention in the world. Stormtroopers, Sith Lords, Bounty Hunters, and Imperial Officers were all united in their love of Imperial costuming.
But…what about the countless Jedi Knights, Rebel Pilots, Queen Amidala’s, Han Solo’s and Wookiee-wannabes? They had no costuming group to call their own. So a few brave souls banded together, and much like the Rebellion, they formed their own group. The leader of this new movement was a man named Tony Troxell, a Rebel Pilot.
The Rebel Legion first appeared in mid-1999 and in the years since its formation, the group has grown from a few dozen Rebel costumers that talked to each other on the internet, to becoming the premier Rebel costuming group in the Star Wars community. Our membership is constantly increasing, and we have established our own presence in the galaxy. In December 2005, we reached over 1000 members worldwide and are still growing daily with Bases and Outposts in places such as Mexico, Japan and Sweden. Our largest groupings at the moment are in the USA. In 2010 we reached over 2000 members.
As the preferred ‘good guy’ costuming group of Lucasfilm, the Rebel Legion attend many of their events aswell as other conventions, exhibitions and events across the world where they are always keen on using the opportunity to raise money for their nominated charities.
The Rebel Legion is headed up by an international ‘Council’, made up of members who are responsible for looking after and developing specific areas of the club.
On August 1st, 2013 an Ireland Outpost was established amongst a small group of Jedi and pilots. The Outpost grew steadily until its membership became an official Base in March 2017. In the same year we have been elected "Base of the Year" amongst all world wide Rebel Legion bases. During the following years we reached over 30 members representing costumes ranging from Wookies to Clonetroopers and Jedi until end of 2019, when some members decided to create a new base serving Northern Ireland territory to better deal with local events needs and different legislation.
Ireland Base aims to continue an organic growth towards the future, through its continued involvement at both local and community levels, aswell as national and international exhibitions and conventions. This is recognised by its presence in the sci-fi and charity fundraising community and the groups that it works alongside. Over the years, the club helped raise funds for a variety of registered charities.
Please feel free to contact us by emailing contact@rebellegion.ie to find out more about how you could help make a difference and play a part in it by joining us.
“Never underestimate the power of The Force!”
