Star Wars characters joined a religious parade at a festival in the Philippines.

Footage shows cosplayers dressed as stormtroopers marching down the street in Cebu City during the Sinulog Festival on January 19.

One of them rode a tank that moved followed by Jedis, Yoda, and Princess Leia at the back.

The long parade also had local dancers donning brightly coloured costumes featuring sequins, feathers, and beadwork.

A festival-goer said: 'The Star Wars joined the Sinulog this year. It was a fun addition to the celebration.'

Star Wars is a popular science fiction franchise created by George Lucas. It explores the battle between good and evil, the rise and fall of empires, and the journey of individuals caught in the galactic conflict.

Sinulog is a grand cultural and religious festival held annually in Cebu City, Philippines, honouring Santo Nino or the Child Jesus. The event commemorates the local's conversion to Christianity and the arrival of Christianity on the island.

Catholicism was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, quickly becoming the country's dominant religion at a time when Islam looked likely to spread from the south in Indonesia and Malaysia.