ONE of the biggest Star Wars fan conventions in the UK is returning to Manchester under new management.

For The Love of the Force launched in 2015 when 20,000 people attended Bowlers Exhibition Centre over three days to tie in with the release of The Force Awakens.

This year fans can again order a glass of 'blue milk' from the Cantina space bar, be trained by a Jedi in how to use a lightsaber and listen to iconic Star Wars music performed by the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra.

Actors from the films will be available for signing and photo opportunities and there will be full sized props as well as Stormtroopers from the Sentinel Squad UK, 99th and 501st garrisons.

But the new management behind For The Love of the Force say they have also changed the format of the event in response to feedback.

In Weekend's review last year we praised the time and investment that went into the event, the impressive props and atmosphere.

But we criticised the 'VIP' tickets that left some people feeling shortchanged, inadequate parking and the extra fees for some of the photo opportunities.

A spokesman for the event said: "For The Love of the Force is a meeting ground for fans young and old, from all over the world to come together and celebrate their love for the phenomenon that is Star Wars.

"Last year more than 20,000 like-minded people visited the event over three days. It is with great pleasure to be back in 2016 under new management. We are back by public demand.

"There will be changes to this year’s event. We attended last year’s event and realised there were certain aspects that didn’t quite work.

"Firstly, there will be no sessions. Opening times will run from 9am until 7pm, you can arrive anytime during the day to attend.

"Parking will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are 800 spaces so anybody with disabilities please arrive early to ensure you gain a space.

"There will be no VIP tickets at this year’s event. As all photo opportunities and attractions will be free of charge, you may take your own pictures of the exhibition.

"There will be no VIP catering. Almost Famous catering will still be at the event but also more affordable catering units.

"All customers will enter through the large indoor entrance and there will be no VIP queue systems."

This year, For The Love of the Force will be held on December 3 and 4 at Bowlers Exhibition Centre – less than a fortnight before the next Star Wars film, Rogue One, comes out.

Earlybird tickets are available and currently priced at £8 for children and concessions, £15 for adult and £37 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).