Movie Mania this weekend at the National Space Centre

Back in 2006 over 3,000 people invaded Britain's National Space Centre in just one day to meet their favorite movie characters. It's a day that still holds the record for the most people through the doors at Leicester's number one visitor attraction, but aqn upcoming event this coming weekend, offering much more to see and do, means the record looks like it will be smashed.

Over 50 costume characters came along to entertain the crowds: this year, the number for this year's Movie Mania is over 100 and still rising, including Darth Vader, Star Wars Stormtroopers, Ironman, Captain Jack Sparrow, Predator, Lara Croft, Ghostbusters, X-Men, Aliens, Colonial Marines, Austin Powers, the Stargate team, Batman, The Joker and many more.

Members of the 501st UK Garrison, Reel Icons, Rebel Command and UKCM have also joined forces to make this event totally out of this world.

Costume characters will be joined by real stars of the movies, with people such as Chris Barrie (Rimmer), Norman Lovett (Holly) and Chloe Annett (Kristine Kochanski) from TVs Red Dwarf, joining the team to raise money for children's charities.

One of the highlights of the weekend is one for the over 18s only, taking inspiration from the cult movie Aliens. The Alien Encounter is a live interactive walk through experience created by the UKCM for the National Space Centre, offering a tour through the Biological Research Facility to discover everything you need to know about Alien lifeforms here on Earth.

(We're told the Marines will be on hand to keep you safe, so what could possibly go wrong?)

All visitors will be able to have photographs taken with their favorite character, join the ghost hunt with the Ghostbusters, learn some new pirate moves from Captain Jack Sparrow or help Batman defeat The Joker and his Goons. In addition the Replica Prop Board team will be on hand with one of the UK's largest collections of movie accurate props and costumes, as well as finding out insider tips on making props of your own.

"We're amazed at the support from these groups to make such a huge event happen here in Leicester," says Malika Andress, Head of Marketing at the National Space Centre. "People will be amazed at not only how movie accurate the costumes are, but the fact that these guys become the characters, they don't just wear a costume.

"The whole event is about having a great day out for family and fans alike, but also about raising money for children's charities, so the Dark Side does have a nice side after all!"

Web: www.spacecentre.co.uk