MORE than 1,500 people, many in fancy dress, joined Chippenham’s first sci-fi day at the Neeld Hall, while hundreds more met their favourite characters in the town centre.

There were queues into the High Street for large portions of the day to see sci-fi stars such as Chris Barrie, who played Arnold Rimmer in Red Dwarf, and others from TV shows including Doctor Who and the Star Wars movies.

And it was not just the people who paid to see the toys, comics and memorabilia inside the hall who were entertained, as daleks, storm troopers and even Darth Vader made an appearance on the High Street.

Co-organiser and town councillor Martin Coates said: “This was our first attempt at this kind of thing in Chippenham and the feedback we have had was of a really fun family atmosphere.

“These things evolve but we have had a hugely successful first event, the town was buzzing and we have raised a lot of money for charity and next year we hope to be bigger and better.”

“People are really keen to support events which people put on as it brings people into the town centre.

“It’s great for the local economy, particularly for the town centre. It creates a great atmosphere and it’s totally different.”

Proceeds from the event are going to support charities Doorway, Dorothy House Hospice Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Stroke Association.

Despite the success, Mr Coates said a return for the event is not guaranteed but if it does come back, he was optimistic that even more stars could be persuaded to visit Chippenham in the near future.

He said: “We are currently thinking about that, but we may need to find some more space.

“They found the people in the town very interested and engaging and they want to come back. They have all come back to me and said they loved it.”