The force is with Croydon Star Wars fans next week when they get the chance to meet cast members of the films in person.

More than 30 present and former cast members from the long series of films will be present at the fan convention on December 9 and 10 at the New Addington Leisure and Community Centre.  

Puppeteer Brian Herring, famously known for performing Robot BB-8 will make an appearance. He told Eastlondonlines: “I also used to go along to conventions as a fan long before I attended as a guest. I love talking to Star Wars fans because I am one!”

He added: “It’s really great to have not only been a part of the Star Wars galaxy, but having had BB-8 so overwhelmingly loved by the fans,” said Herring, “It’s going to outlive me.”

Over 30 people involved in the Star Wars franchise will be present, including actor Denis Lawson, known for playing Captain Wedge Antilles across the original trilogy.

Production supervisor Robert Watts and actor Michael Culver, who portrayed Captain Lorth Needa in The Empire Strikes Back, will make their final appearance to the public at the convention.

Organiser and avid Star Wars fan Richard Friend of DRJ Events expects over 1,000 fans to attend. This is his fourth year organizing the convention.

Apart from meeting with cast members, Star Wars fans will get to see movie props, buy collectibles, and look at science fiction-themed toys. The convention will also feature cosplayers from all over the country and even Star Wars-inspired robot builders.

Tickets sell at £10, but children aged 11 to 16 can buy them at half price and children under ten enter for free. Half of the proceedings will go to charity to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.