New Star Wars film is the Obi Wan for Sheffield fans

Star Wars fans flocked to see latest installment: The Force Awakens. Meanwhile, Darth Vader reads a copy of The Star in Meadowhall.

Wanna-be Jedi’s flocked to Meadowhall Shopping Centre’s Vue Cinema at one minute past midnight today to see one of the very first showings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Eight screens were open for the midnight showing – all of which sold out before the opening day.

Tickets went on sale seven weeks in advance to cope with demand from fans – all eager to be one of the Obi Wans to have seen the movie.

Nationally £33m of advanced tickets have been bought by Star Wars fans.

According to cinema bosses, it is set to be the biggest film in the past ten years, easily surpassing 50 Shades of Grey which was released earlier this year.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is expected to make a record-breaking £132 million in its opening weekend alone.

Star Wars fan Tom Shelton, of Sheffield, said: “I booked my tickets for the midnight showing the first day they became available; I’ve been waiting for this film to be released for 10 years and I can’t wait to see it – the atmosphere will be great as everyone in there will be a real fan.”

Meadowhall Centre Director Darren Pearce said: “Fans have been waiting a long time for the latest instalment. It was great to have this buzz around the centre.”