Fan Fest is returning to Metrocentre for a third summer, bringing iconic characters, famous movie rides and epic set displays from some of the biggest global franchises to Gateshead.

Likened by previous festivalgoers to a ‘mini Comic Con’, the free family-friendly event will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June with Metrocentre’s malls transformed into themed fan zones.

Town Square will play host to favourites from the Star Wars universe including Imperials, Bounty Hunters, Jedi, and The Mandalorian and Grogu, courtesy of the North East Legion volunteer group, as well as an impressive line-up of galactic vehicles featuring a 5m high AT-ST (All Terrain Scout Transport), replica Snowspeeder and Scout Trooper Speeder Bike.

Alongside this, there will be the chance to grab a selfie with Jabba the Hutt in his private lair, the legendary Throne Room.

Directly off Town Square in Green Mall, Masters of the Universe fans will find the imposing backdrop of Castle Grayskull – keeper of ancient secrets – fiercely protected by superhero He-Man against arch enemy Skeletor and other villains.

There will also be much-loved characters from the Marvel franchise including Spiderman and Spider-Girl, together with DC favourites Batman, the Joker and Supergirl. Plus, the Transformers’ Optimus Prime and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Michaelangelo.

The dressing up isn’t just for fictional characters. Enthusiasts of all universes are invited to suit up as their favourite figure and take part in a cosplay competition, sharing a photo of themselves at Fan Fest as a post or story on Instagram before 4pm each day and tagging Metrocentre to enter. Each post to add #FanFestMetrocentre will receive an additional bonus entry.

Judging the competition will be none other than TikToker Chris Saunders, whose TV and film trivia channel ‘Screen and Beyond’ has amassed over 270,000 followers, with the best costume on each day winning a £250 Metrocentre gift card.

Some retailers, such as Pizza Express, are also offering cosplay perks for customers in fancy dress, while Bella Italia, Fattoush Lounge, Nando’s and Thaikhun all running ‘Kids Eat Free’ offers over Fan Fest weekend.

Metrocentre Marketing Manager Helen Atkinson said: "Lifelong enthusiast or relatively new to pop culture, with each edition of Fan Fest we continue to add more and more attractions to appeal to every age and interest.

"With this being Metrocentre’s 40th year, festivalgoers can also look forward to some special 1980s nostalgia: from costumed characters and displays to retro vehicles."

As with previous years, Exhibition Square will be home to a pop-up marketplace selling merchandise, collectibles and other memorabilia, along with interactive Gaming & Gashapon Zone by Namco Funscape offering arcade favourites, prizes and Anime collectibles.

Elsewhere within Metrocentre, Odeon Cinema will be screening comic and sci-fi favourites including Supergirl, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu; and Masters of the Universe. For the full list of films showing over Fan Fest weekend, along with show times, check the official Odeon listings page.

A guide to where to find costumed characters and props, plus full terms and conditions for the cosplay competition, will be available online at themetrocentre.co.uk in the days before the event. Alternatively, to search food and drink offers, visit https://themetrocentre.co.uk/offers