Call yourself a GEEK? What’s On found out more about an event that’s just perfect for you

Game Expo East Kent, or GEEK, a celebration of 40 years of computer games design and trends, starts in Margate on Thursday, February 21.

The four-day festival, at venues from Margate Old Town to the Pie Factory, celebrates video gaming from its origins in Stanford University in 1971 to the multi billion-pound global industry that it is today.

From early consoles to new social games, visitors will be able to come and play in Margate during half-term.

Organiser Kate Kneale, said: “People have been coming to play in Margate for more than 250 years. GEEK invites them back.

“Games and play are ingrained in this part of the country and, in the 21st century, there are some really exciting things going on.

“The creative/cultural sector is driving Thanet’s regeneration and it’s hard to imagine a more creative sector than the games industry – the skills involved include story telling, image making, music and programming, everything in film and theatre – plus a huge chunk of interactivity.

“GEEK celebrates 40 years of computer games design and trends, from console-based play to games played in public spaces. Whatever the game, we love it.”

This is the second year of GEEK and it has been awarded Arts Council funding.

Four days of events start with a free launch on Thursday, February 21, from 6pm to 9pm in Margate Old Town, where visitors can play silly games, big games and new games.

More information about all the free and paid events of GEEK2013 seewww.geek2013.co.ukor ring 01843 282219