Jaws 50th Anniversary Celebration in Westhoughton Honours Robert Shaw

What is the significance of Westhoughton in the Jaws 50th anniversary?

Westhoughton is the centrepiece for the 50th anniversary celebration of Jaws, centred around The Robert Shaw, a venue named after the actor who played Quint in the film. The event was held over 16-17 August and brought together fans, historians, and experts to celebrate both Robert Shaw’s life and the enduring legacy of Jaws. Guests included Ryan Dacko, host of the Jaws Obsession Podcast and author of The Book of Quint; Joe Mills, founder of a Robert Shaw family-approved website; and Adrian McKenna, a musician and author specialised in Robert Shaw’s work. The event featured a range of talks on the film, related books, and plays, providing attendees with a deep dive into the making and cultural significance of the movie.

What activities accompanied the Jaws 50th anniversary celebrations?

The celebration in Westhoughton was part of a global commemorative effort, including a major exhibition at Martha’s Vineyard Museum running from May to September 2025. This exhibition explored the making of Jaws, focusing on the mechanical shark, original storyboards, rare photographs, and the transformation of Martha’s Vineyard into the fictional Amity Island. Visitors could view a life-size replica of Bruce the Shark’s head and the interior of the Orca boat, which featured prominently in the film.

Alongside the exhibition, fans enjoyed immersive screenings, guided tours of filming locations via the SetJetters app, and exclusive Jaws-themed merchandise. The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce offered limited edition collectibles, including reproductions of the original 1975 actor call sheet, a rare and coveted item among collectors.

How has Jaws remained influential over 50 years?

The 50th anniversary also featured retrospectives, such as a special event at the Gala Theatre in Durham. Before the screening of the remastered film, a Q&A session was held featuring Pascal Fintoni, founder of the Film Marketing Academy, and filmmaker Paul Stainthorpe. They discussed the innovative marketing campaign that defined the summer blockbuster and shared personal stories and rare photos from filming locations. The enduring appeal of Jaws is evident in its ongoing influence on cinema and popular culture, with audiences continuing to be captivated by its suspense, soundtrack, and thrilling story.

Who were notable figures involved in the celebrations?

Key figures included Ryan Dacko, Joe Mills, and Adrian McKenna, all experts on Jaws and Robert Shaw’s legacy. Additionally, Pascal Fintoni and Paul Stainthorpe contributed to discussions on the film’s marketing and cultural impact. Their insights helped frame Jaws not just as a groundbreaking film, but as a lasting cultural phenomenon.

What memorabilia was available during the anniversary celebrations?

Collectors had the opportunity to purchase rare memorabilia such as the reproduction of the 1975 Jaws actor call sheet, preserved for 50 years by a switchboard operator and now issued in a limited run of 1,000 copies. Merchandise also included exclusive clothing collaborations and themed souvenirs celebrating the film and its iconic filming locations.

When and where were the main anniversary events held?

The Westhoughton event was held on 16-17 August 2025 at The Robert Shaw venue. The Martha’s Vineyard exhibition ran from 24 May to 7 September 2025, with additional screenings and Q&A sessions such as the Durham Gala Theatre event held over the summer. Jaws was also re-released in cinemas in late August 2025, allowing fans to experience the film on the big screen as part of the anniversary celebrations.