IF you're a Geek, then York is a great place to be this weekend, says James Lees, and he should know because he is the lead organiser of York GeekFest 2 at the University of York Exhibition Centre.
"There's loads of awesome groups, stores and people around; no matter what your 'thing' is there's something around for you in York," he reckons. "The only problem can be finding it. And that's where York GeekFest comes in; York GeekFest is the biggest and geekiest weekend around.
"York GeekFest is bringing lots of local artists, dealers, social groups, societies, game developers and more together for a massive weekend event. There's nearly 100 different stalls so if you're looking for a new hobby, awesome artwork for your walls or some cool stuff to buy, it's all there."
Around 20 shows and talks will be happening too, including two comedy shows, the Big Geek Quiz, Cosplay Masquerade and a screening of the entire Cornetto trilogy all in one go "There'll be loads of workshops too and other activities like Quidditch, an old-time cinema and an inflatable planetarium, plus a retro arcade. It's going to be a jam-packed weekend," says James.
"York GeekFest is a student led pop culture convention and this is the second year of running it at the University of York. We're hoping it's going to be a great event with two main aims: the first is to promote local geek culture and encourage trying out next things and the second is to provide a fun weekend for all."
York GeekFest is "all about getting the community involved", emphasises James. "So there are loads of local meet-up groups around and societies for you to get involved with, but GeekFest looks to give back too. It's a not-for-profit event that will be supporting SNAPPY (Special Needs Activities and Play Provision for York), and they'll be there all weekend showing you what they do."
York GeekFest 2 will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, although the main stage will run for longer on the Saturday for a few events. "Entry to the festival – and almost all of the activities – costs £3 in advance for the whole weekend, and as it's a family-friendly event, under-12s can come for free and we're now offering free entry to all scouts, guide, beavers and their families too," says James.
Tickets are on sale at yusu.org/groups/geekfest/events/york-geekfest or from Sore Thumb Retro Games, in Gillygate, or you can pay £5 on the door. Full details of the weekend can be found at geekfestyork.co.uk; follow GeekFest at facebook.com/events/585132198327517/ for updates.
The game's afoot at the first York GeekFest
Highlights of York GeekFest 2
* York School of Defence: a Western Martial Arts school, focusing on medieval treatise.
* Illustrated Jai: Jai McCubbin, York digital and watercolour artist, best known for Stupid Little Fat People.
* Sore Thumbs Retro Games: York's retro games shop with stock from Nintendo to SEGA.
* Two halls of traders and activities; a hall with video games developers and a board game play area.
* The Big Geek Quiz: test your knowledge in a quiz covering everything and anything Geek with plenty of prizes.
• Quiddich Tournament and Try Out: York versus Leeds as the Hogyork Horntails take on the Leeds Griffins, plus a chance to try out this quickly growing sport.
* Mini Escape The Room: Can You Escape's mini escape room for those who have never tried them or for those who want to show off their skills.
Paul Jones's poster for The Nerdfather
PAUL Jones has words of parental advice in his York GeekFest 2 show, The Nerdfather, on Saturday afternoon.
"They say never meet your heroes. They’re right, you should make your kids meet them!" says the stand-up comic ahead of his 3pm slot in the University of York Exhibition Centre.
The Brighton Comedy Festival Squawker Award finalist, BBC radio sketch writer and award-winning costume maker will be presenting his geeks guide to parenting, wherein he combines his trademark one-liners with the heartwarming story of how his lifelong obsession with science fiction helped him deal with fatherhood.
"This truly is a unique multimedia comedy show that boldly goes where no Dad has gone before," says Jones, who has written for BBC Radio 4’s That Mitchell And Webb Sound and The Odd Half Hour and BBC Radio 2’s Parsons And Naylor’s Pullout Section.
Admission is free, with a no-obligation collection after the hour-long show.
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