Unique Star Trek collection comes to Blackpool

Martin Netter, 57, has amassed around 150,000 items since he started his collection in 1978, almost 30 years ago, and has warehouses full of costumes, scripts, phasers, masks, complete original film sets, and more.

Prior to going on show in Blackpool, many of the items from Martin’s display had never previously been seen in Europe, while a new range of collectibles are to go on sale in the shop, giving trekkies the chance to own some new official merchandise.

Martin, who lives close to Hannover and is visiting the resort this weekend, said: “I have the largest collection in the world. I don’t collect for myself but for the future of the fans.

“I have been travelling with the exhibition around the world for the past 15 years and I’m happy to loan it to different places, including America, Canada, and Blackpool.”

Mr Netter said he can’t put a price on his collection, claiming he has ‘never thought about it’, but said every item on display in the town has been seen on screen.

“Every piece is iconic,” he added. “But I think the Klingon set up, with costumes, make up moulds and mask, is the most.

“I like Blackpool, but only if it’s not raining. The last two times the sun was shining. They have done a lot for tourists.

“I will come back in the summer with my wife.”

Manager Rui Antao said the Promenade exhibition’s success has exceeded his expectations since first opening last summer.

He added: “It went better than we were expecting. Being the first year, we expected it to take time. It’s really good.”

The exhibition, on the Golden Mile, will open every day during the Easter break, from Saturday until April 16.