THE Force was awakened in Burnley yesterday as a host of intergalactic characters celebrated the most famous film franchise in history.

The annual Star Wars Fan Fun Day was staged at Burnley Football Club, with many of the movie fans present saying ‘May the fourth be with you’ and dressing up in a wide variety of Star Wars costumes at Turf Moor.

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With the recent announcement of Episode Seven - The Force Awakens, and the excitement reaching a frenzy after the release of the movie’s trailer, this year’s celebration proved to be more popular than ever before.

People were able to meet many special guests, including Kama Lau who played Chancellor Valorum’s aide Sei Taria, Dave Prowse, who of course portrayed villain Darth Vader, and Ken Colley, who played the role of Admiral Piet.

Nick Maley (Yoda creator), Trevor Butterfield (a Stormtrooper), Brian Wheeler (Ewok and Jawa) and Kenny Baker (R2D2) were also be there to meet fans.

As well as meeting members of the cast and collecting autographs, people were able to see memorabilia, detailed model displays and take part in a charity tombola.

Lancashire Telegraph:

May 4 is the official unofficial holiday for Star Wars fans.

The date is significant for fans of the sci-fi film franchise in a nod to one of the film’s popular catchphrases - “May the Force be with you” - which yesterday became “May the Fourth be with you”.

Star Wars enthusiast Owain Mattocks, 32, travelled to the show from Chorley.

He said: “I enjoy going to this event as it’s a local show but with world class organisation, run by a great team who do a lot for charity. Fans travel from all over the world to attend. Today’s signers included a two-time Oscar winning special effects guy, one of the creators of Yoda and Liam Neeson’s stunt double.

“I collect autographs but have never met an Oscar winner before.”