SCI-FI lovers turned out in huge numbers on Saturday to meet actor Warwick Davis when he reopened Harry’s Toy Chest in Truro’s Victoria Square. 

Braving heavy rains and a thunderstorm, fans queued down the street for the chance to chat with the star of Star Wars, Harry Potter and Willow, and secure a coveted signed photo for a donation to Warwick’s chosen cause: men’s mental health charity Man Down, which took home £6,700. 

Warwick took his place in front of a wall display of Lego figures, and was the first to sit on a brand new squishy sofa. “I met Harry, who said he was refitting the shop, and I asked if he’d like me to come down for a charity signing,” he explained. 

“He’s such a nice guy, and I thought it would be lovely to help out. He’s opening a business at a time when the climate is challenging, and I think it’s great there are still shops like this – it’s something for the community.”

Of his choice of charity, Warwick added: “My wife passed away six months ago, so I understand what it is to get to a low place mentally. That’s why it’s important to have groups like Man Down to help those who need the support.” 

He added: “Cornwall is a lovely place to get away and escape. I have good friends here, and it’s a nice place to come and find yourself again.” 

Warwick has garnered cult status for his appearances as Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi, Prof Filius Flitwick in the Harry Potter series, and the title role of Willow. The announcement on social media attracted tens of thousands of views, and a one-way system through the shop was devised to ensure a consistent flow of people.

It was an opportunity to see the newly refurbished store, which now boasts an entire wall dedicated to Pokemon and an upstairs Lego room. Owner Harry Stacey launched his business as a teenage entrepreneur in Truro’s pannier market; now 24, he has been trading from Victoria Square for five years and his launched a second store in Camborne. 

“Through rain, thunderstorms and sunshine, hundreds upon hundreds of us witnessed one of the greatest events to ever happen in Truro,” he said. “Everyone was very patient and we tried to get as many people as possible into the shop to meet Warwick.”

Man Down provides informal peer-support talking groups all over the UK for men with mental health concerns. While the charity was launched in Cornwall four years ago, it recently went national and now offers fortnightly support meetings and social events as far afield as Exeter, Trowbridge and Inverness.

“Warwick chose the charity because he believes in our cause, and the importance of men’s mental health,” said co-director Matthew Trebilcock. “I’m really excited - I can’t believe how far the queues went in such challenging weather conditions.

“The event raised a vast amount of money, including a £500 donation from Harry’s Toy Chest on top of everything they have already done for us.” 

Memorabilia was available to purchase for signing, and fans also brought their own items. Many queued for several hours to spend a few minutes with their hero. 

Twins Richard and Lily Hall, 23, from Truro, arrived at 5.30am to find themselves first in the queue. “Lily made us come early,” said Richard. “Our mum dropped us off – we didn’t expect to be first,” laughed his sister. “We’re big fans of Warwick and have seen all of his movies,” added Richard. 

Andy Badger, from St Austell, attended with his partner Suzie Trudgeon and her daughter Chloe. “I’ve been a fan of Warwick’s ever since I was little,” he said. “I love his character onscreen and off-screen – he’s an all-round amazing bloke. There’s a nice relaxed vibe here today, different to the chaos of Comic-Cons – welcome to Cornwall!” 

Mum Kirsty and son Jake, 11, joined the queue at 7am. “We’ve watched the Star Wars and Harry Potter film series together,” said Kirsty. “I got wind of this event, and Man Down is a charity very close to my heart.” Jake added: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and it will be worth the wait.”  

The terrible weather brought families together. Jamie Goodwin from Truro - with his children Joseph, 16, Daisy, 13 and Pippa, 9 – made room under their umbrella for Danielle Truscott and son Deejay, 7, from St Dennis. All had arrived at 7.30am and braved the storm to keep their place in the queue. 

Jamie donned his Stormtrooper helmet for photographs. “You don’t see much of this in Cornwall – it’s something to do on a Saturday morning that’s different,” he said. 

“I’m shivering with excitement – and cold,” said Daisy. 

Local businesses including 108 Coffee Shop and Hubbox warmed cockles by delivering hot food and drink to the queue.