Famous aliens from throughout the universe have assembled in Warrnambool and can expect a warm welcome tonight, when about 200 appropriately dressed Earthlings are expected to turn out for a grand opening of the exclusive Invasion sci-fi exhibition at the Warrnambool Art Gallery.

Characters, costumes and props from the big screen and television will be on show for the next two months.

It is Australia’s only exhibition venue of the unique collection of character props, costumes and models and is understood to be the first time it has left the UK apart from film commitments.

Unfortunately, bookings have been disrupted by last week’s Warrnambool Telstra exchange fire which left a communications blackout straight out of an apocalyptic science-fiction movie plot.

Gallery exhibition curator Gareth Colliton said bookings had been slower than expected due to a breakdown in internet connections across the south-west.

“Sales have been healthy, but not as good as we hoped,” he said.

“Lots of people are coming into the gallery front desk to book.

“We are hoping to achieve our target of 200 for Friday night’s grand opening, which runs from 8pm to 11pm. 

“People will be dressed in either a spacy-theme costume, neat casual or semi-formal attire.”