If your weekend plans involve debating which Star Trek series is the coolest or polishing your light saber collection, you’ve probably already marked the Sci Fi London Film Festival down on your calendar. And if you haven’t, take note – London’s annual film fest dedicated to the best in science fiction films is back again, and it’s going to be better than ever.

Why you should go to Sci Fi London
To brush up on your ever increasing knowledge of the sci fi film world, of course! Hop in your Millennium Falcon and make your way to the Apollo West End Cinema for the Sci Fi London Film Festival. Stock up on popcorn and prepare to be dazzled by a series of premieres and previews of brand new films and remade classics that are sure to make sci fi history - but whatever you do, remember to bring along your towel.

Don’t miss
Check out some brand new sci fi premieres and special screenings at the film festival that are bound to give you kudos amongst other sci fi fans. The 2011 festival features UK premieres, shorts, anime classics, as well as guest speakers overseeing lectures and debates. Don’t miss the chance to be amongst the first in the UK to see some of the best science fiction and fanstasy films for the coming year. 2011 sees the 10th anniversary of the festival, so expect even more in the way of special events, such as the free parade along the South Bank on Easter Sunday.

Sci Fi London Easter Parade

48 hour film challenge
At the Sci Fi London Film Festival you’ll also get the chance to see if you can make your own films. This year teams can knock up a brilliant sci fi flick in just 48 hours, where they can spend an entire weekend writing, editing and shooting their sci fi debut. Last year the winner had their film played before the closing premiere film at the festival, and this year's prizes include the chance to develop a feature with Vertigo Films, the creators of SteetDance 3D Monsters. The top ten films will soon be available to watch on the Sci Fi Channel's website for all to see.

Chill out
Stay up late with fellow sci fi fans at the Sci Fi London Film Festival all nighter series. As well as the usual selection of manga, horror and fantasy films, this year there's also the chance to get in the mood for the royal wedding with an all nighter featuring Bride of Frankenstein, Bride of the Gorilla and I Married a Witch.

Royal Wedding All Nighter

The final curtain
Alongside a glut of all these special events, there’s also plenty of screenings of classic science fiction feature films, as well as a variety of shorts and even more events. For 2011, the opening night gala features a screening of Your Days are Numbered, and there is also a lookback at 25 years of John Constantine's Hellblazer alongside the several UK premieres before the closing night gala featuring a screening of Super.

The Sci Fi London Film Festival runs from Saturday 23rd April – Monday 2nd May 2011 at the Apollo Piccadilly Circus and other venues.

Screening times, dates and ticket prices vary. For a full list of events click on the link below.

Sci Fi London Film Festival Official Site

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