Star Wars mania is set to hit Macclesfield tonight (Wednesday) with a midnight screening at Cinemac.

Dozens of hard-core fans in fancy dress are expected to flock to the Heritage Centre for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The keenly anticipated seventh chapter in the saga takes fans back to the Galaxy Far, Far Away for the first time in a decade.

To get fans in the mood Mash Guru on Back Wallgate is being transformed into the famous Cantina bar, the fictional drinking den in the pirate city of Mos Eisley on the planet Tatooine.

There will be a special Star Wars quiz and fancy dress competition.

The screening is a massive coup for Cinemac, the town’s much-loved independent cinema. And with three showings a day until January 7 it is set to make a significant sum from the enterprise.

It came about when lifelong Star Wars fans Marc Jackson approached Matthew Till, projectionist at the cinema, about getting a licence to show the film, and Cinemac owner Steven Metcalf gave the idea the green light.

Marc, 42, said: “I’ve been a massive Star Wars fan since my dad took me to see the first film when I was just four-years-old.

“I remember not believing what I was seeing and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

Star Wars cake made by Monocle Deli in honour of the new film, complete with glass of blue milk as drunk by Luke Skywalker

Marc, who lives in the town centre, believes Star Wars was the inspiration for his career as a illustrator.

He said: “The saga means a lot to me. It’s a huge part of who I am. The first comics I bought were Star Wars and that inspired me to draw and become who I am now.

“Cinemac is a great cinema. It has that old school vibe which will resonate with those of us who saw the original films in those kind of cinemas.

“The brilliant thing about Cinemac getting this film is that the money made from it stays in the town.

“All the trailers have suggested it is going to be a great film. Regardless, there will be a great atmosphere and a bit of a party mood.”

The story picks up 30 years after the death of the Emperor and the destruction of the second Death Star where there has been an awakening in the Force, leading Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia – along with a new generation of heroes – to fight the revived Dark Side.

Fear not if you didn’t manage to get a ticket for the first show as there will be screenings until Thursday January 7.

Matthew Tilt reveals his dark side