JEDI, be on your guard as Darth Vader will be stalking the streets of Banbury this month.

Thankfully he won’t be disturbing the town’s force.

Instead he’s jetting in – though maybe not on the Death Star – for the town’s first “Geek Con”.

For one day only, Banbury will be invaded by zombies and Stormtroopers giving visitors the chance to get up close to their film and television heroes.

The event, which will be held at Castle Quay next Saturday, has been organised by local events company Banbury Presents.

There will be special appearances from five of the Star Wars bounty hunters who will be in their original costumes and doing guest signings and taking photos with fans.

Event organiser and creative director Suzette Neptune, a self-confessed sci-fi fanatic, said she cannot wait for visitors to indulge their inner-geek.

She added: “I’ve got a huge interest in sci-fi and fantasy and have been talking with people about doing this for a year now.

“I’m super-excited for the day, especially when you realise that the great idea you’ve come up with is actually going to happen.

“Being able to see all these great characters and actors up close is a great opportunity for all of us.

“To see these iconic characters from Star Wars as well is pretty awesome, it has been my favourite fantasy series since I was growing up.”

Other guests attending will include Red Dwarf actress Hattie Hayridge and Virginia Hey, whose credits include Farscape and Mad Max.

They will be around the shopping centre all day to speak with visitors and sign autographs.

The visits have been arranged with the help of Glyn Smith, owner of comic book shop Comic Connections, in Parson’s Street.

Ms Neptune said: “While we have been really lucky to get hold of these star names we have made sure that there is a heavy local involvement as well.

“We have people from Banbury involved in organising and taking part in the event.”

Sci-fi fans can enjoy art exhibitions from local artists, stunt displays, martial artists and indoor science demonstrations.

The event is being supported by Leamington Comic Con, the Phoenix Comic and Cherwell District Council.

Doors will open at 9am. Entry is free.

For more information search for “Geek Con” on Facebook.