THOUSANDS of TV and film buffs descended to the Steam Museum over the weekend for two jam-packed days of sci-fi fun for the Swindon Comic Con.

Characters such as Spiderman, Chewbacca, Captain America, Harley Quinn and many more made an appearance over the weekend during the event, now in its third year, which aims to celebrate the best of the entertainment and pop culture world.

Cosplayers, comic book fans and mythical creatures had the chance to browse a selection of horror, anime and manga comics, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics and fantasy novels.

With others being able to rub shoulders with TV and movie royalty including stars from Doctor Who, Primeval, Red Dwarf and Star Wars.

A stellar line-up of 67 famous faces were more than happy to pose for a picture or sign autographs for fans including Primeval stars Hannah Spearritt and Andrew Lee Potts, Harry Potter actor Chris Rankin, Oliver actor Mark Lester, Marvel and DC Comic book artist Lee Townsend and Gladiator Saracen

Others included Allo Allo’s Kim Hartman and Richard Gibson who played Private Helga Geerhart and Officer Herr Otto Flick respectively.

Kim, who was a first-timer to Swindon, said she was delighted by the reaction from the crowds.

“We have rarely done things like this before but it is really nice to have the chance to get together with everyone else from the show.

“The response from people here has been lovely especially the fans who love the show so to see them and receive compliments is wonderful.”

Sci-fi fanatics from not just Swindon decided to come to the event, which sold 2,000 tickets on Saturday, but others from further away in the galaxy including some who came dressed head-to-toe in their favourite character costumes.

Sixteen-year-old Brad Roach travelled all the way from Bristol to the comic con event in the town and was dressed as his Marvel fave Spiderman.

“When I was growing up, Spiderman was my Marvel movie dream and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is my favourite one.

“I came here last year and it was a bit quieter but this year there are so many people. I want to go to the comic con event in London at some point but I thought considering this one is so local, we may as well come here.”

Fellow Marvel fan John Ralls came dressed in a convincing Captain America costume.

The 23-year-old who lives in Reading said: “This is the first time we’ve been here and because of the location, you can get some really interesting shots here and it is more interactive than a lot of other places. I love the fact there is a massive retail centre next door and there are loads of people strolling past in costume – we have definitely seen some people turn their heads thinking what was going on.

“It has become a passion fixation to focus on the costume at these things and I always get quite a good reaction from people.”

Particularly die-hard fans who donned capes, wielded light sabres and covered their faces in day-glo paint had the chance to win a spectacular prize with a £1,000 Stormtrooper outfit.

Some visitors to the Steam Museum were surrounded by people asking for photo requests including Simon Green, 46 and Steve Kendrick who came dressed in the iconic 1984 overalls from Ghostbusters.

Steve, who lives in Surrey said: “Ghostbusters is my all time favourite film and I still remember seeing it when it came out in 1984.

“These sort of events are great because you enjoy yourself by coming to them but then you get to see the enjoyment on other people’s faces when they see you dressed up and want a picture.”