Manx Troopers will be out in force at the Palace Cinema from this Thursday December 17 when Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits the screen.

Resplendent in their Star Wars characters’ costumes some 10 to 15 members of the galactic group will be at the cinema for around one hour up to 15 minutes before for the start of selected screenings over the Christmas and New Year period.

Confirmed dates are:

- Thursday December 17 (evening);
- Sunday December 20 (matinee);
- Wednesday December 23 (evening);
- Sunday December 27 (matinee);
- Wednesday December 30 (evening);
- Sunday January 3, 2016, (matinee).

Approximate times for appearances will be from 6 to 6.45pm, (evenings), 1 to 1.45pm (matinees). In addition, some Manx Troopers will be making the occasional unscheduled ‘surprise appearance’.

‘Darth Vader’, ‘R2D2’ ‘Stormtroopers’ and a host of other Star Wars characters will be in the foyer and auditorium ahead of the screenings to entertain the legions of fans eager to see the seventh instalment in the George-Lucas inspired space saga, pose for photographs and raise money for Finley’s Tracks, the Manx charity supporting those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Palace Cinema manager Steve Rea said: ‘With worldwide speculation, rumours and theories having been circulating for months about the film there’s mounting anticipation for the release this Thursday of what’s set to be one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year. And Manx Troopers will be adding to the excitement, offering fans an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of their favourite Star Wars characters and, importantly, helping to raise funds for a very deserving local cause.’

You can book your tickets for the latest Star Wars epic online at www.palace-cinema.com or call the box office on 682773 or 682778, open daily from 3pm.