Darth Vader and troopers storm the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre

Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers at the Dale-Con sci-fi convention in the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers have taken over the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, aided and abetted by Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules.

Today (Saturday 22 February) saw the first day of the two-day Dale-Con science fiction convention kick off in the Wheatsheaf at 11am.

Centre Manager and organiser of the convention, Martin Ballard said: “So far I am thrilled with how things have gone. We were setting up last night and this morning and I expected it to get busy around 12pm but it has been busy since the start. We even had people here before we officially opened the convention.”

Dale Con 2 saw part of the shopping centre transformed to play host to a number of well-known science fiction characters and actors.

Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers were on hand for photo opportunities as well as appearances being made from characters from Star Wars, Batman and Star Trek.

Red Dwarf actor Danny John-Jules was the main attraction for the day and was accompanied by well-known science fiction actors such as Star Wars actors Brian Wheeler, Ron Hone and Toby Philpott.

Chris Muncke (James Bond, 1977), Pam Rose (Star Wars), Anthony Forrest (composer), Ken Coombs (Star Wars), John Chapman (Star Wars) and Alan Flyng (Star Wars) also made appearances at the convention.

Mandy Cummings, who attended the convention for the first time, said: “It is excellent. I am a big Red Dwarf fan so I have come especially to see Danny.”

Jenny Cummings added: “I am a big Dr Who fan so have come down for that side of things.”

Lisa Maude, who also attended Dale Con for the first time, described the convention as “fantastic” and said: “I have taken lots of pictures and looked at everything a number of times. I would definitely come again next year.”

Plans for Dale Con 3 are already on the cards with Mr Ballard adding: “After seeing how things have gone today, there is definitely a plan for a third convention.”

The convention continues tomorrow, Sunday 24 February, 11.00am - 4.00pm.