Ali Ahmed

As the world gears up for the release of the latest Star Wars film 'The Force Awakens', Mancunian fans will have something to satisfy their hunger - with one of the UK's biggest conventions dedicated to the franchise and its culture coming to Manchester just days before the film's release. For the Love of the Force is an independent convention that will take place over two days December 4-6 at Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Trafford Park which will allow fans to get up close to their film heroes and celebrate all the Star Wars. Fans will be able to meet the legendary David Prowse, the body of Darth Vader and Alan Ruscoe, the actor who played Bib Fortuna in the Phantom Menace, will also be there throughout the weekend in full make up by the team from Episode One and Two. They'll be joined by other special guests, and fans will have the opportunity to question their heroes in a live Q&A. Liam Neeson's stunt double Andrew Lawden will hold a training school at the convention for any aspiring Jedis teaching them defensive techniques and skills to wield a lightsaber, and the event will also feature Stormtropper Garrisons will be marching throughout the exhibition centre. There will also be props and figures to see including a 7m Scout Walker which has been constructed especially for the event and a full size X-Wing at 35ft in length and 8ft high. Various props and set pieces will be constructed such as Mos Eisley Cantina, Jabba's Palace, an Ewok Village, and the Dagobah System.  The