The UK's first festival dedicated to classic old computers aims to repeat the success of similar festivals in America (above). © theoldcomputer.com
Festival: Vintage Computer Festival 2010, The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park, June 19-20 2010
As brainbox systems batter chess grandmasters and Wiis replace going out, the generations who watched the rise of computer systems have gone all nostalgic.
From the primitive Atari to the clunky Commodore 64s which sold more than 30 million units in the 1980s, retro chic is stirring against high-definition sleekness. Cassette tapes and Pacman t-shirts are on the rise.
"The enthusiasm for this festival is already remarkable, and we have only just started to publicise it," says Kevin Murrell, of the Vintage Computer Fair 2010.
Run by The National Museum of Computing, the geek celebration will be the first UK version of an idea which originated 10 years ago in California's Silicon Valley.
The WITCH, one of the country's oldest computers made in the 1960s at Wolverhampton College of Technology, will be on display. Courtesy Wolverhampton Express and Star
"It will draw visitors from overseas as well as across Britain," predicts Murrell, who's after sponsorship to help the campaign emulate the success of events across the pond and in Germany. "Bletchley Park is perfect for it."
Exhibition stands, a lecture programme, demonstrations on relics and classic games are planned, as well as live performances by mystery synthpop guests at a two-day melee expected to entice more than 1,000 guests.
Sinclair, Acorn and Amiga are among the names already pitching up in the grounds where codebreakers first used computers to pioneering effect during the Second World War.
Visit the Museum online to keep up-to-date, or email them to join the mailing list.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should email Kevin Murrell.
