A SOUTHAMPTON hotel became the centre of an alternate universe as geeks and Trekkies came to town.

This year marks a key event for the annual Sci-Fi Ball, as organisers took to the Grand Harbour Hotel for their 25th event.

Organisers were expecting up to 400 attendees and were hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Southampton hospital’s teenage cancer trust unit.

Daily Echo:

Since meeting at Bournemouth University 27 years ago the team say they have raised more than £50,000 for the facility.

This year fans had the chance to meet stars like Gigi Edgley - who plays Chiana in Farscape, Dino Fetsher and Lucy Carless from TV show Humans, and Sean Pertwee - star of current show Gotham and son of Jon Pertwee, the third Doctor Who.

Speaking to the Daily Echo Gigi Edgley said: “I’ve flown in from LA - it’s been a magical adventure. I’ve brought my daughter with me who is called Sky Walker Edgley Luczynski - she’s one month old.”

Organiser Annie Lindup said: “We’re supported by the Horror Channel. I think it’s been popular for so many years because it will never die - people will always be into sci-fi.”

Daily Echo:

A fancy dress competition, Oktoberfest themed party and disco kept Troopers entertained in the evenings while a silver jubilee themed ball was the main event on the Saturday night.

The Teenage Cancer Trust is a UK charity that supports young people aged 13-24 in hospitals as well as providing training.