Hundreds turned out for a Star Wars-themed event that was out of this world.

Collectables shop Jedi Archives, based in Brewery Square, held its Dorchester Strikes Back fundraising event.

Organised by the business and Starbores podcast, the square in the county town was transformed into a galaxy far, far away with people celebrating the Star Wars movie franchise whilst raising money for two causes.

Crowds gathered in Dorchester for a Star Wars event that was out of this world (Image: Graham Hunt Photography) Proceedings on Saturday started with a procession from the opening troop, before competitions were held. Jez Allison, also known as the Running Stormtrooper, who dresses up as a galactic grunt to complete marathons, gave a talk before the best costume competition for children and adults took place.

Another talk was also given by Mando Mercs, a costume club which has become one of the largest global Star Wars fan organisations since its founding in 2007.

Members of this club and the 501st UK Garrison entertained visitors with their realistic outfits.

The event also had a raffle draw, featuring an array of prizes.  

Crowds gathered in Dorchester for a Star Wars event that was out of this world (Image: Graham Hunt Photography) In keeping with the Star Wars theme, the event also hosted a Bantha milk mocktail by Dark Bear Bar, a concoction based on a drink from the movie franchise. 

Crowds were dressed in their best cosplay get-ups of all the Star Wars characters, from Darth Maul and Darth Vader to Princess Leia and Obi Wan-Kenobi. Children were also giving lightsabre displays in the square during the event.

Crowds gathered in Dorchester for a Star Wars event that was out of this world (Image: Graham Hunt Photography) The event raised more than £1,200 for both the Dorset County Hospital Charity, and the MS Society.

Ben Rivers, owner of the Jedi Archives said: "The Jedi Archives, in partnership with the Starbores Podcast, wanted to bring Star Wars to life in the South West, where we typically don’t see a lot of events, certainly not focussed on Star Wars alone.

"I don’t think we could’ve asked for more for our first DSB event with almost 1000 fans visiting Brewery Square throughout the day.

"Our two main aims were to provide a great family friendly event and to raise money for two amazing causes, the Kingfisher Ward under the Dorset County Hospital Charity and the MS Society.

Crowds gathered in Dorchester for a Star Wars event that was out of this world (Image: Graham Hunt Photography) "From donations and the raffle, we were able to raise over £1200 for these charities where we know the generosity of our attendees will make a huge difference. It always amazes us how many people are more than happy to give their time and efforts towards helping others and we can’t express our gratitude enough.

"We are all too aware of the pressures that modern-day life can put on people’s mental well-being so if we can find small ways to alleviate that pressure, provide a distraction or help build friendships it’s a huge plus.

Mr Rivers went on to say that plans are in motion for an event next year. 

He said: "From some of the feedback we’ve had, it seems likes everyone had a great time, especially some of our younger fans, who were able to meet some of there favourite characters in real life and visitors were able to make new friends along the way.

"We’ve already had requests for Dorchester Strikes Back to return and we are pleased to say that plans for DSB 2025 are in the works, with a working date of Saturday, August 2 where we hope to build on the success of this year’s event, raise even more for charity and bring more to Dorchester from a galaxy far, far away…"

If anyone wants to keep up to date with next year’s event or browse the gallery from this year, then they can head to www.dorchesterstrikesback.co.uk”