Speciality Cinema was packed last night as Star Wars fans rushed to see the latest instalment of the iconic film series.

Among the fans were more than a dozen who donned Star Wars costumes and brandished lightsabers to celebrate the event.

Asked why he was interested in seeing the film, The Force Awakens, on the first night, Arhat Virdi described it as a historic cinematic event.

“Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon and I want to see the continuation of the story,” he said. “It also has a new director, JJ Abrams instead of George Lucas, which is interesting.”

Teacher Siani Colley Nester, meanwhile, produced a purple lightsaber, responding: “Where else can we go with toys?

“I’m a P1 teacher and it’s kind of great to have this magical yet non-denominational fantasy that I have yet to have a child tell me they didn’t like.”

Matt Nester added: “It’s a quintessential geek film, but it’s so universal that even if you don’t know a Jedi from a Jawa you can enjoy it.”

They also said that one of the advantages of seeing the film on the first night was they would not have to worry about other people spoiling the plot for them.