THE force will be with thousands of sci-fi fans this weekend as a battle of epic proportions takes place at Steam.

The Great Lightsaber Battle next Saturday is part of a whole weekend of sci-fi events in the town and aims to be the biggest ever recorded.

Superheroes and sci-fi characters – from Spiderman to Darth Vader and the great Jedi Knights, plus many actors from the Star Wars movies, will be walking around the Steam Museum and the separate sci-fi exhibition throughout the weekend.

The original R2-D2 robot will also be keeping an eye on visitors over the two days.

The Lightsaber Battle is scheduled to be the highlight of the Sci-Fi Superheroes weekend that marks the end of the popular Sci-Fi at Steam exhibition.

Councillor Garry Perkins, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “Meeting the sci-fi characters and superheroes has proved to be very popular at Steam’s earlier events and next weekend is the grand finale.

“Children and sci-fi fans alike will love the excitement of meeting the superheroes like Darth Vader and Chewbacca. The Lightsaber Battle is going to be a very impressive show and will be a fun event for everyone, whether they are spectating or taking part.”

The superheroes weekend and lightsaber battle are joint ventures between Steam and Skywalker Promotions of Swindon.

Luke Skywalker, owner of Skywalker Promotions, changed his name by deed poll from Kaye to Skywalker – after the Star Wars hero – to mark his passion and enthusiasm for the film.

He said: “We are very excited about the whole meet the superheroes weekend and most especially the lightsaber battle.

“We’re aiming to create the largest lightsaber battle formation that has ever been recorded so this is a truly wonderful experience for anyone to be involved in, whatever their age.

“Children can come on their own while their parents watch or mum or dad can join in too.

“This is a non-contact activity so it is safe. People can bring their own lightsaber or buy one from Steam when they arrive.”

All those who take part in the lightsaber battle will receive a certificate and a badge.

The weekend event takes place from 10am-5pm and the lightsaber battle formation takes place at 3.30pm for a 4pm start. Spectators need to have a ticket for the battle to get into the Great Western Hall arena.

Among the Star Wars actors attending will be John Chapman, an X-Wing pilot in Star Wars, who will also be available to sign copies of his popular children’s book, The Adventures of Jonnie Rocket.

The special weekend marks the last showing of the popular Sci-Fi at Steam Exhibition.

Tickets for the Lightsaber Battle are available online through Swindon Tickets at www.swindontickets.co.uk or from the Swindon Tickets Shop on Morley Street, Swindon.

Tickets for Meet the Superheroes on May 19 and 20 can be purchased in advance through Swindon Tickets or at Steam on the day.

Call Steam on 01793 466637 or visit www.swindon.gov.uk/steam