This year's festival got off to a great start at its new home in Stratford, with our third costume parade, taking in the streets and the old Stratford shopping centre that lie adjacent to the Stratford East Picturehouse.

Danny Boyle may have gathered a cast of thousands for his Olympic Opening Ceremony, celebrating hundreds of years of British history, but our focus was on another historical figure, who not only transcends time but is also celebrating 50 years of scaring children with some of the most iconic evil villains ever concocted for family entertainment.

It took a while for the crowds to gather, and at one point it looked like there would be more photographers than subjects, but it wasn't long before characters began to arrive from a galaxy far, far away as well as through various portals (despite our Stargate not functioning properly today).

As always, the 501st gave their generous support, and Darth and the Stormtroopers still hold as much excitement for the public as they did over 30 years ago. But it was the much older Doctor who, in all his incarnations, was the star of today's procession.

Led by a Dalek and some Cybermen, nine different doctors, an assortment of companions and the occasional adversary were at the head of the parade. The local shoppers met us with polite bemusement, but were sill excited about getting their picture taken with Darth.

While some costumes were little more than printed onesies, most were elaborate reproductions with incredible attention to detail that only hardcore fans would carry out.

After the parade came to an end, there was an after party for everyone who had registered to take part.

This was held in the nearby Stratford Circus, which seemed sort of apt given the nature of the guests. Popcorn, Krispy Kreme donuts and Mad Dog lemonade were served up to replenish any flagging energy, just in time to introduce to special guests; Michael Kilgarriff, better known as the Cyber Controller, and Sophie Aldred, who played the Doctor's companion Ace.

A giant snitch piñata started off the fun and games, to which Sophie eventually delivered the final blow, before she led a Doctor Who themed musical chairs, firstly for the children, the one for the Doctors. Who said sci-fi fans were boring, and with limited social skills? Today's event certainly proved that geeks just want to have fun.

The serious part of the festival kicks off on Tuesday evening with Neil Jordan's latest vampire tale, Byzantium.