Star Wars fans are gathering in Leicester Square ready for the British premiere of the final episode of the film saga, which the director, George Lucas, and stars Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen are expected to attend.

The screening of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, which takes place tonight, is preceded by a day of Star Wars themed events, which began with a dawn parade of Storm Troopers, followed by the world’s first “marathon” showing of all six films.

This afternoon sees the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform the Star Wars score in Leicester Square gardens, and Christopher Lee, who plays Count Dooku, and Anthony Daniels, the droid C-3PO, who has appeared in all six films, will take the stage to answer questions from members of the public.

Tickets for the six screenings sold out within five minutes, but fans unable to attend were still arriving early to ensure they had prime star-spotting spots for this evening’s event.

Yvonne and Matt Horrocks arrived at Leicester Square at 7.30am dressed as Princess Leia and a Jedi Knight. Mrs Horrocks spent 18 months making the costumes and was still busy putting the final touches to them late last night.

The couple, from Brighton, who named their three-year-old daughter Kali-Ann after Star Wars’ character Calista, confessed that they had a lifelong obsession. Mrs Horrocks, 26, a childminder, said: “Episode III is what it’s all about, the fall of Anakin Skywalker. It’s the main part of Star Wars. That’s why we are here, to be part of the day.”

Bank manager Dave Baseley, 31, from Orpington, Kent, also dressed up in Jedi garb. He arrived at 6am to get a good spot and was hoping his extra efforts would be rewarded with autographs.

On the reasons why so many people had turned up so early, he said: “It’s a hobby. It’s what we do. People have been getting here at 8am not being able to get a front row and being disappointed. It will be a good 12 hours waiting here and we will be here to the end. It’s the last time we will be able to do it.”

The Leicester Square event comes just a day after the film’s world premiere at Cannes Film Festival. Ewan McGregor, who plays Obi-Wan Kenobi in episodes I, II, and III, was unable to attend yesterday’s event in France, as he is rehearsing the stage musical Guys and Dolls in London. However, he is expected to attend tonight.

“It happened that Star Wars opened in Cannes when we’re in the middle of technical week at the theatre,” he said. “But the musical doesn’t stop for Star Wars so I just can’t head off to Cannes. It’s always the same with me. My focus is always on what I’m doing now, not what I did two years ago.” Mr McGregor has said that he will not sign autographs for fans who bring Star Wars memorabilia to the stage door after performances of his new show.

Although there will be no more Star Wars films, fans can be consoled that the force is still with director George Lucas. Last month he announced plans for two spin-off television series, a live action series and a Clone Wars animation.

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