Look Who's coming to town: Interactive event brings Time Lord roadshow to Capital

• Clips from the new series of Doctor Who will be shown on Festival Square's big screen

Now the Daleks and the Cybermen – along with the last of the Time Lords – are to invade the Capital next month for a special interactive Easter event.

The BBC is hoping to attract more than 18,000 people to the big screen in Festival Square over the three-day event, being held to mark the launch of the new series of Doctor Who.

The latest Time Lord, Matt Smith, and his companion, played by Scots actress Karen Gillan, are currently touring big screens up and down the country as part of the promotion.

Gillan, originally from Inverness, studied acting at Telford College in Edinburgh, having left school at 16, and plays new sidekick Amy Pond.

While neither she nor Smith will be appearing in person, fans will get a chance to see him in 3D on the big screen as part of the event, which will run from 1 to 3 April.

The highlight is believed to be a specially designed inflatable arena, which is likely to mimic the famous interior of the Doctor's Tardis.

Inside, fans will not only be able to explore the Time Lord's oddly shaped ship, but will come face to face with a host of 3D monsters from the series.

The big screen will be showing exclusive footage from the new series, including the chance to see the latest Doctor Who trailer, also in 3D.

There will be prize giveaways, and a chance for fans to get an out-of-this-world picture of themselves tumbling through the giant time vortex seen at the start of every episode.

Visitors will also be able to meet some of the scariest monsters that have had viewers watching from behind their sofa for generations, with the Daleks, left, and the Cybermen among those expected to put in an appearance.

Alec McGivan, head of BBC Outreach, added: "Outreach is all about getting face to face with people so they can get involved and experience the BBC in a different and exciting way – we're delighted to be able to take one of the BBC's best-loved brands out to its audience."

It is the latest event on the big screen, which was constructed in Festival Square last year by the BBC as part of its commitment to bringing the 2012 London Olympics to every part of the country.

The screen has already had crowds jumping around the square playing interactive video games, and attracted large crowds for sporting events such as Wimbledon.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, festivals and events champion for the city council, said: "Doctor Who is a hugely popular programme and I know there's a lot of excitement brewing about the new Doctor and his sidekick.

"I'm sure this quirky event at our big screen will attract lots of Doctor Who fans and prove to be a great day out for all the family."