A police officer shares a joke with an actor dressed as a Stromtrooper
© AFP Carl De SouzaLONDON (AFP) - A wealth of actors, props, memorabilia, merchandise and exhibits filled London's ExCeL exhibition centre for the fifth official giant convention and the first to be held outside the United States.
The three-day Star Wars Celebration Europe is expected to attract at least 50,000 fans of the six films and the ever-expanding universe they have spawned.
One of the most well-loved film series ever, George Lucas's science-fiction space fantasy revolutionised the way movies are marketed and is still evidently cherished by legions of fans happy to lose themselves in his alternative galaxy.
Fans milled about dressed as their favourite characters, such as Darth Vader, Chewbacca and Queen Amidala, while some came as stormtroopers and other hardcore followers donned the costumes of fleetingly-seen fringe figures like the Emperor's Royal Guards.
Wannabe Jedi knights duelled in the corridors, while Jedi masters gave instructions on how to fight with lightsabres and the ways of the Force.
Star Wars science fiction film fans look at scale models
© AFP Carl De SouzaFans flocked to recreations of the interiors of Han Solo's freighter, the Millennium Falcon and Tantive IV, the Corellian Corvette blockade runner ship featured in the iconic opening scenes of "A New Hope", the first Star Wars film, released in 1977.
Meanwhile the R2-D2 Builders Club were on hand to teach people how to put together their own astromech droids just like the chirpy little robot in the movies.
The convention includes an autograph hall, where fans can meet stars and some of the bit-part actors from the film, while top Ewok actor Warwick Davies -- also Professor Flitwick in the Harry Potter films -- hosted a string of events in the theatre.
Mark Hamill, who played the central character Luke Skywalker, was to give an exclusive hour-long talk to fans.
Paul Blackmore, part of the UK Garrison of the 501st Legion group of Star Wars fans, came dressed as Chewbacca, the giant, amiable Wookiee described by Princess Leia as a "walking carpet."
"Chewie doesn't actually speak during the entire series but still he comes through as a fantastic character through his movements and behaviour," said the 38-year-old, who runs a pet shop in Berkshire, west of London.
"I'm on stilts and it's incredibly hot, but it's not itchy in here," he said before departing with a trademark roar.
Though there are no plans to make any more Star Wars films, fans will get to see trailer footage and an exclusive video presentation from "The Clone Wars", a new television series expanding the Star Wars universe.
There is also a chance to experience "The Force Unleashed", a new video game featuring new characters and storylines.
Friday's entertainment includes an appearance by Darth Vader actor David Prowse and other top Imperial actors, a talk by droid unit supervisor Don Bies, and a one-man show acting out the original movie trilogy.
Also, the puppeteers behind the slug-like gangster Jabba the Hutt help to relive some of the scenes from "Return of the Jedi" and Jay Laga'aia, the actor who played Captain Typho in "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith" talks about his role.
The convention's posters feature Star Destroyer ships flying over London's Tower Bridge. Tickets cost 23 pounds (47 dollars, 34 euros) per day.
©AFP