Excitement for Game of Thrones season 4 was rewarded and inspired at last night’s Epic Fan Event at the Barclays center in Brooklyn.

Several thousand lucky fans were treated to an exhilarating early look at the premiere of Game of Thrones season 4 on Thursday night. Dubbed the “Epic Fan Experience” by HBO, the event included appearances by the cast, a phenomenal giveaway, and an advance screening of Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1.

After checking any electronic devices at the door, attendees filed into the Barclays Center and were greeted with several Game of Thrones-themed activities. In addition to checking out a display of costumes and props from the set, fans had the opportunity to take a photo on the Iron Throne, and pick up a free t-shirt. Many came in costume, or wore clothes inspired by the epic fantasy series.

The Epic Fan Experience program began with a literal drumroll. After the lights dimmed, a youth marching band stomped their way up and gave the crowd an enthusiastic rendition of the now-famous theme song from Game of Thrones.

More music followed, as the rapper Common performed his song “The Ladder” from HBO’s Catch the Throne mixtape. “It’s gonna be workin’ on April 6,” Common announced, and performed a selection of his music to great enthusiasm.

Then it was time for other famous faces to take the stage. Actor Kristian Nairn (“the most talkative man in Westeros,” aka Hodor) stepped up to MC and was greeted with tremendous applause, seeming awed by the crowd’s enthusiasm. Nairn introduced George RR Martin, author of the Song of Ice and Fire series on which Game of Thrones is based; Martin received a standing ovation from the crowd. He and Nairn both expressed their gratitude for “the greatest fans in the world” and their support of Game of Thrones.

Martin then took the mic from Kristian Nairn and called out a few surprise guests. Maisie Williams (Arya) walked onto the stage with her hand slapped to her forehead in shock at the crowd’s response. John Bradley West (Sam) played it cool with a wink, but Sibel Kekilli (Shae) exclaimed “Holy shit!” as she took in the cheering masses in the Barclays Center.

A question-and-answer session followed. Bradley West immediately had the crowd laughing with his tales of Icelandic filming adventures, his desire to play Jaime Lannister, and his appreciation for “Kit Harington’s big brown eyes.” Maisie Williams admitted that she isn’t quite as adept with a sword as is Arya Stark, and Martin responded to the unasked question about The Winds of Winter – “I’m working on it!” he said, to much laughter.

Next up was a surprise raffle for a life-sized replica of the Iron Throne – “The perfect accessory to a New York City apartment!” Martin joked. After the epic prize was awarded to a stunned fan, the cast members and Martin reiterated their thanks to the crowd, and retreated for the screening of Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1, “Two Swords.”

Click for our impressions of episode 1!

Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1, “Two Swords,” began with a silent scene of transformation, as Ned Stark’s Valyrian steel greatsword Ice was reforged into two weapons. Change proved to be a theme of the opening episode, though there wasn’t much silence to be found as the exciting hour progressed.

The episode introduced several new characters for Game of Thrones season 4, most notably the Dornish prince Oberyn Martell, and his paramour Ellaria Sand. Sexy, brutal, tortured and fearless, Martell and his lady made a big impact in a short amount of time, and are certain to make memorable additions to the season. Meanwhile, the story north of the Wall also found new faces, as the grim and terrifying Thenns made their presence known among the wildlings.

Old faces returned as well. Cersei Lannister made no secret of her fondness for the non-maester Qyburn, and Sansa received an unexpected gift from the knight-turned-fool Dontos Hollard. Arya, on the other hand, took what she wanted from one of Gregor Clegane’s terrible lackeys, and Jon Snow played a delicate negotiation with familiar faces from the Night’s Watch. At the same time, Daenerys found herself seeing another side of more than one important figure in her life.

Gripping, funny, frightening, and emotional – and full of plenty of nods to book readers – Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1, “Two Swords,” provides an excellent start to what is certain to be a season of unmatched epicness.

Game of Thrones season 4, episode 1, “Two Swords,” will air on April 6 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.