STORMTROOPERS, Star Wars actors and a whole host of other Sci-Fi heroes descended on Southend High Street for a “jam-packed” event.

The Ironworks arts and culture centre continued its first birthday celebrations with the occasion on Sunday, featuring sci-fi merchandise, traders’ workshops, guest speakers and plenty of cosplay.

Event - Sci-Fi Southend at The Ironworks (Image: Gaz De Vere)

One notable highlight was Star Wars’ Mike Edmonds, who played Ugnaught in Empire Strikes Back and Solo: A Star Wars Story’s Wookiee Slave Ross Sambridge being available for meet and greets.

SOS Ghostbuster Kieran Walker said: “‘The Southend Ghostbusters and ‘Essex Cosplayer’ were thrilled to be invited to attend the event as special guests, and really kept the excitement going through the day.

“We were thrilled to be invited to appear at sci-fi Southend, it was a really great day- the Ghostbusters love appearing in their home city and can’t wait for next year.”

Also in attendance was Kursaal ward Labour councillor Matt Dent, who spoke highly of the event and the venue.

He added: “Since the Ironworks opened a year ago, it has cemented itself at the heart of the city.

“It has hosted a wide array of different events, with this excellent mini convention being only the latest.

“If you haven’t been in there, do drop in for a coffee, cake and a look around.”

Sci-Fi Southend at The Ironworks was a successful celebration of science fiction culture and a great way to mark The Ironworks' first birthday as a prominent venue in Southend.

Ami Solomons, founder of The Ironworks, said: “What a fun day we had – we were delighted with the turn out and can’t wait to make it even bigger for 2024.”