We have unearthed these nostalgic pictures from March 1978.

A year earlier, Star Wars had taken the cinematic world by storm.

Echo:

Two years later, we would be wowed by the Empire Strikes Back, before Return of the Jedi hit the silver screen in 1983.

Echo:

Dark side? - Vader strolls through Southend

From characters such as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, stormtroopers and even a Wookie, Southend seemed to soak the film's celebrations up.

Echo:

Excuse me - one man getting close to Darth Vader

Echo:

Unusual - Darth Vadar and a trusted stormtrooper make a few calls in Southend High Street

Echo:

Queuing up - fans outside the old Odeon, in Elmer Approach