In pictures: the heroes and villains of Star Wars Celebration

This weekend, thousands of 'Star Wars' uberfans gathered at the ExCel Centre for Star Wars Celebration Europe, a three-day event that prided itself on all-star panel discussions and signing sessions, but was really just an excuse for awesomely enthusiastic nerds from all over the world to show off their costume-crafting skills. Time Out film writer Tom Huddleston was there in an official capacity – he also authors entries in the official 'Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space' series for kids – so we asked him to rummage through Instagram and pick out a few favourite images from the weekend. First up are a few shots that give you some idea of the sheer scale of the event.

 

A photo posted by Star Wars Celebration (@starwarscelebration) on Jul 15, 2016 at 3:59am PDT

 

A photo posted by JAKe (@jakedetonator) on Jul 18, 2016 at 2:00am PDT

And what would a 'Star Wars' convention be without giant plastic ships? 

 

A photo posted by Dean Smith (@seagull_deano) on Jul 17, 2016 at 9:39pm PDT

 

A photo posted by Dean Smith (@seagull_deano) on Jul 17, 2016 at 9:55pm PDT

Joining fans on Friday were the cast of the forthcoming 'Star Wars: Rogue One'. Here they are selfie-ing like mad for 'Force Awakens' and 'Game of Thrones' star Gwendoline Christie. 

 

A photo posted by Eaglejony (@eagle_jhony) on Jul 17, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT

Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were each subjected to an hour-long fan interview, before appearing together at the Future Filmmakers panel on Sunday. 

 

A photo posted by starwarschronicles (@starwarschronicles) on Jul 18, 2016 at 1:38am PDT

 

A photo posted by Eaglejony (@eagle_jhony) on Jul 17, 2016 at 7:54pm PDT

Hamill was also on hand to offer marital advice to one husband in the doghouse.

 

A photo posted by SayWat!Kin (@mrskins) on Jul 17, 2016 at 2:24pm PDT

But of course the real stars at Celebration – as at any major convention – were the fans. Here's just a small selection of the incredible array of eye-popping costumes on display. 

 

A photo posted by Nick Pope (@nickpopemedia) on Jul 17, 2016 at 3:16pm PDT

 

A photo posted by Charlotte / Chad Suicide (@charlotte_something) on Jul 17, 2016 at 2:39am PDT

 

A photo posted by candy_valentina (@candy_valentina) on Jul 18, 2016 at 12:27am PDT

 

A photo posted by Toyin Oshodi (@slimshodi) on Jul 17, 2016 at 8:19pm PDT

 

A photo posted by ida💫 (@idapod) on Jul 17, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT

 

A photo posted by STAR WARS ONLINE (@starwarsonline) on Jul 17, 2016 at 1:56pm PDT

 

A photo posted by @bertrandrustles on Jul 17, 2016 at 1:47pm PDT

 

A photo posted by @craigspivey on Jul 17, 2016 at 2:54pm PDT

 

A photo posted by @solosheep on Jul 17, 2016 at 3:15pm PDT

 

A photo posted by Mwachala (@barelysuperman) on Jul 17, 2016 at 4:20pm PDT

 

A photo posted by Mark Charade (@markcharade) on Jul 18, 2016 at 2:38am PDT

Great outfit – but who wore it better?

 

A photo posted by Miss Cherry on Fire (@misscherryonfire) on Jul 18, 2016 at 1:26am PDT

 

A photo posted by David Russell (@daveruss93) on Jul 17, 2016 at 1:42pm PDT

We'll leave you with our absolute favourite costume from the entire fest – this legend. Hamill Schmamill, we want this dude as the star of 'Episode VIII'. 

Check out our guide to all things 'Star Wars'