Chewbacca, Princess Leia and other iconic characters recently appeared at Brighton Palace Pier.
Their appearance was part of a promotion to launch the inaugural Brighton & Hove Comic Con, which will take place at Brighton Dome on September 5 and 6.
The characters spent time meeting visitors, posing for photos and generating excitement ahead of the event.
Angelika Phillips, event organiser at Screentear Events, said: “We wanted to create a Comic Con that really feels like Brighton – welcoming, colourful, creative and something that families can enjoy as well as dedicated fans.
Brighton & Hove Comic Con is coming to Brighton Dome on September 5 and 6. (Image: Screentear Events & Production)
“Seeing our cosplayers walking along Brighton Palace Pier this weekend was quite special.
“Children were running over to meet them and have photographs, although I think some of the adults were even more excited.
“This is our first Comic Con, so watching something that started as an idea actually beginning to come to life is incredibly exciting.
“We have had fantastic support from local businesses, creators, traders and the cosplay community, and Brighton Palace Pier has been wonderful in supporting what we are doing.”
More cosplay appearances at the pier are planned in the weeks running up to the convention.
The two-day event will feature special guests from film and television, including Sam C Wilson, Jonathan Cass, Criss Bunn, Pam Rose, James Taylor and Ross Sambridge.
Fans will have the chance to meet the actors, collect autographs, take photos and hear about their careers.
The convention will also host a wide range of traders and exhibitors offering comics, collectibles, action figures, anime and Japanese merchandise, model kits and jewellery.
Forbidden Planet will be among those in attendance, alongside other businesses including Dice Saloon.
There will also be opportunities for tabletop gaming and demonstrations.
A key focus of the event is making it accessible and family-friendly.
Children under six will be admitted free with a paying adult, and face painting will also be available at no cost.
Ms Phillips said there is “still plenty more to announce before September,” and organisers “cannot wait to welcome everyone through the doors of Brighton Dome.”
