THE force was most certainly with shoppers at Bolton’s Market Place over the weekend when they encountered stars from a far away galaxy.

The fearsome Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers greeted visitors to the leisure and retail centre, while Chewbacca was on hand to make sure Lord Vader and his army were on their best behaviour.

Shoppers were literally starstruck after meeting characters from the hit Star Wars films ­while indulging in a spot of shopping, eating and visiting the cinema.

The 5th Legion Costume Group brought their Star Wars characters and as well as meeting their fans, posing for photographs, the team set aside their differences in support of mental health charity MhIST.

“We had a great weekend at Market Place with a set of events that prove Bolton to not only be multicultural but also intergalactic,” said, Mick Knowles, marketing assistant, for Bolton’s Market Place Centre.

“We were privileged to hold lantern making sessions with the Bolton Hindu Forum and be the location of Bolton Black History Month’s Gallery. We also held our third Artisan Market in the patio and hosted the 5th Legion’s presentation of 16 impeccably costumed and enthusiastic Star Wars characters who mesmerised shoppers in the centre and posed for hundreds of star struck selfies.

“As it was Mental health Awareness Day the team, who could not have worked harder or looked more impressive, used the opportunity to collect funds for MhIST a great local charity who also joined us in the centre to promote their local services.”

Mick added: “These events are very much representative of the activities planned for the centre as we emerge from lockdown. At Halloween we have art workshops and are bringing a dragon to Bolton from Saturday to Monday in the half term as we invite local families to be Knights of Bolton and tame this nine foot winged beast.

“We will also be celebrating Diwali when our young artists return to collect their lanterns and join a parade on Thursday November 4 at 5pm.”