If you’ve spotted Star Wars Stormtroopers driving around Tauranga this weekend, they’re not here to enforce oppressive rule over the galaxy.

It’s more likely they are on their way to dive into Tauranga’s ever-popular science fiction and fantasy fair that’s running for the whole weekend.

Hundreds of costumed and un-costumed people are expected to pour through the doors of Tauranga’s Armageddon Expo from 9am – 5pm today as the two-day event once again takes over Mercury Baypark Arena.

The Naboo Base troops, alongside Outpost 42 Garrison -  501st.com - are at the expo collecting for Heart Kids Bay of Plenty this weekend. Photo:Supplied.

If you can’t decide what costume to wear, also known as ‘what to cosplay at’, just come as yourself and explore the world of pop culture, geeks, gaming/gamers, Esports, technology, anime/animation, comics, collectibles, celebrities, and fandoms.

Regular Armageddon cosplay participants Paul and Rozanne de Wild brought the Hunger Games vibe dressed as Effie and Haymitch on Saturday as they explored the expo and mingled with friends and the crowd.

Rozanne and Paul de Wild as Effie and Haymitch from The Hunger Games. Photo:Supplied.

Striding around inside and outside the venue, you can find Darth Vader, people dressed in steampunk costumes, anime and movie characters, celebrity guests, epic gaming, more cosplay, and plenty of comics, card merchants and collectibles.

Among the stellar guest line-up are actors from Stargate, Demon Slayer, Star Wars, Dragon Ball and more.

One of the many fascinating stalls at Tauranga Armageddon. Photo: Supplied.

Armageddon Expo director William Geradts says the line-up of stars to meet and greet will appeal to a broad range of fans.

“Now that the events industry has found its feet again post-pandemic, we’ve been able to get a really great list of starts for our events in 2024.

“We’ve seen a really good response online with people getting excited to meet their favourite celebrities, so it’s sure to be an incredible event.”

Come dressed in costume to Tauranga Armageddon. Photo: Supplied.

The line-up includes David Hewlett and David Nykl (Stargate), Gigi Edgley (Farscape), Zach Aguilar (Demon Slayer), Spencer Wilding (Rogue One), Daman Mills (Dragon Ball), and Taylor Gray (Star Wars Rebels).

The amazing Jpop star and anime singer Takayoshi Tanimoto had the whole crowd singing along to his anime hits on Saturday, and will be performing an array of anime theme songs again today.

Archery is available to try your hand at outisde the venue. Photo: Supplied.

Sword fighting is another activity to try your hand at. Photo: Supplied.

#Bayofgeddon 2024 is also showcasing the best in gaming, technology, cosplay and more.

“We’ve got the latest consoles and games, people dressing up as their favourite characters for our Cosplay Parade, some wacky competitions and loads more fun things for the whole family to enjoy.”

Alongside the Ping Zero PC and console arenas, the event is featuring virtual reality and a light-up dancefloor with Just Dance 2022 challenges throughout the weekend.

The popular Creatures of Chaos stall at the expo. Photo: Supplied.

And let's not forget the famous Armageddon Cosplay Parade.

The organisers say “you can't have a Cosplay Parade without a bunch of Spider-People pointing at each other, you just can't” stunning the crowd on Saturday with a parade for anyone in costume enjoying the expo.

“We've got another parade on Sunday at 12pm, so make sure you come along and take the stage in your costume,” says a Tauranga Armageddon Expo organiser.

The Cave, based in Papamoa, has a stand at the expo where people can experience the exciting world of virtual reality. Photo:Supplied.

Amongst all the magic of the expo are individual artists, authors, crafters, game developers and stallholders, selling geeky art, crafts, collectables, comics and often one-of-a-kind items.

Come find author Anna Klein, and Michelle Burt from Dreaming in Thread, who both have stalls at the expo.

Tauranga author Sébastien Woolf is there promoting his game ‘Escape the Horde’ and the Naboo Base troops, alongside Outpost 42 Garrison -  501st.com - are at the expo collecting for Heart Kids Bay of Plenty this weekend.

Artist Roxanne Milson selling an artwork from her stall. Photo: Supplied.

Roxanne Milson is an equine and fantasy artist creating artwork based on her love for the horse and all things fantastical. She also provides illustration and custom colour pencil portraits and digital cartoon portraits. Roxanne says she had an incredible day one at Tauranga Armageddon and is looking forward to day two today.

“The biggest highlight is the fact Arrow, an incredibly personal artwork sold and to such an amazing man who truly resonated with it,” says Roxanne in a post on her Facebook page.

“I can't express enough how much all the support for my art means to me!”

Dive into one of the many stalls at the Tauranga Armageddon Expo. Photo: Supplied.

Arkham City Comics, Ash Inked, Art By CC, Akechisstinkyfoot & Oakryn, Creatures of Chaos, Controlzee, Crafty Dragon, Dragoncove 3D, Fiona Clarke Art, Ghosted Streetwear, Jenna Karl Illustration, Jolly Octopus Tattoos, Kyber Forge Sabers, Laya Rose Art & The King Kez, Mango Cat Creations, Monsta Renata & Pukeko Design, Magic Book & Soap Shop, Mousse Mouse, Oasis Scents, O.M.G. FURRIES, Parts Panda 3D, Russell Meek  and Turtle Creations are just some of the stalls at the Tauranga Armageddon Expo full of art, collectables, clothing and even three-dimensional dragons.

Tickets to the Tauranga Armageddon Expo 2024 are available at the door.

The Tauranga Armageddon Expo is running from March 16-17 from 9am-5pm both days. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.armageddonexpo.com/

Tauranga author Sébastien Woolf promoting his game ‘Escape the Horde’. Photo: Supplied.

Michelle Burt from Dreaming in Thread. Photo: Supplied.

Author Anna Klein. Photo: Supplied.

The Naboo Base troops, alongside Outpost 42 Garrison -  501st.com - are at the expo collecting for Heart Kids Bay of Plenty this weekend. Photo: Supplied.