Brace yourself for some inter-galactic conflict, as characters from Star Wars and Game of Thrones and talking robots head to the coast to give sci-fi fans a huge treat.

Herne Bay is hosting Sci-Fi by the Sea today, in what may well be the south east’s biggest celebration of the genre.

As well as guest appearances from blockbuster stars, there are film props, gaming zones, live music and sci-fi characters.

The open air event was a sell-out last year, attracting 7,000 people, and is now in its fifth year.

Celebrity guests – who are primed for autograph-signing – include James Cosmo from Game of Thrones (Jeor Mormont), Nick Moran (Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), Fanny Carbonnel (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) and Ingvild Deila (the young Princess Leia in Star Wars: Rogue One).

Characters and props include a 35ft Mr Stay Puft, Delorean time machine, 95-Spider Steampunk Batmobile, Union Jack Dalek, full size Tardis and the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.

There is also a roving, full scale replica of one of The Force Awakens Star, BB-8.

Wise-cracking, crowd-pleasing 8ft robot Titan is also returning, with dinosaurs from Jurassic Park and a dragon, and selfies can be taken with Marvel characters such as the Iron Man.

Activities include storm trooper laser tagging and a gamers’ zone with retro console games and virtual reality environments.

There are also more than 40 stalls packed with memorabilia, plus live music from the Cantina Band Quartet blasting out film theme tunes.

Organiser BayPromo’s Scott Turner said: “We are proud that Sci-Fi by the Sea has grown into such an amazing event. We just wanted to create a fun sci-fi day out with lots of things to see and do.”

DETAILS

Sci-Fi By the Sea is at Herne Bay Junior School in King’s Road, Herne Bay.

Tickets cost £9, £7 for children under 16, with under threes free. A family ticket for two adults two children is £27. Visit scifibythesea.co.uk or follow Sci-Fi by the Sea on Facebook.