Long, long ago (well, Saturday) in a galaxy far, far away (okay, Bury St Edmunds) stormtroopers from the planet Coruscant invaded the centre of a peaceful civilisation.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sci-Fi Festival at Moyes Hall Museum in Bury St Edmuds. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAMSci-Fi Festival at Moyes Hall Museum in Bury St Edmuds. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

They came to set up their headquarters in the ancient Moyses Hall Museum and held an old foe hostage – forcing actor Jeremy Bulloch, who had battled the Dark Side in A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, to sign mementoes for visitors who were strong with the Force.

The event was all part of the ninth Bury St Edmunds sci-fi convention which draws hundreds of fans to the museum every year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sci-Fi Festival at Moyes Hall Museum in Bury St Edmuds - Star Wars actor, Jeremy Bulloch signs autographs Picture: RICHARD MARSHAMSci-Fi Festival at Moyes Hall Museum in Bury St Edmuds - Star Wars actor, Jeremy Bulloch signs autographs Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)

This time it has special meaning for Star Wars fans with the latest instalment of the saga – and Carrie Fisher’s poignant last performance – The Last Jedi due out over the Christmas period.

As well as Mr Bulloch’s appearance there was artwork, props, and costumes on show to whet the appetite of fans who cannot wait for the next Star Wars adventure.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sci-Fi Festival at Moyes Hall Museum in Bury St Edmuds. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAMSci-Fi Festival at Moyes Hall Museum in Bury St Edmuds. Picture: RICHARD MARSHAM (Image: Richard Marsham - RMG Photography Tel - 07798 758711)