Margate: GEEK gaming festival will return to Dreamland in February

A Jedi Academy and a day dedicated to Minecraft will both form part of a popular gaming festival.

GEEK returns to Kent next month with a space theme to mark the 40th anniversary of Space Invaders.

It comes to Dreamland in Margate from Friday, February 16 until Sunday, February 18.

GEEK (Games Expo East Kent) attracts thousands of dedicated gaming enthusiasts, families looking for half term fun, and those wanting to indulge their nostalgia for retro consoles.

Back for a second year and taking over the entire undercover areas of the park, this year's event will celebrate the original Space Invaders 40th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the release of Super Smash Brothers Brawl on the Nintendo Wii.

There will also be a day dedicated to Minecraft and a Jedi Fight Academy which will show budding Jedis light saber skills, including those taught by actor Andrew Lawden, who starred in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

The family-friendly event presents a behind-the-scenes look at gaming and featured games will include old favourites spanning generations to virtual reality experiences.

Throughout the month, a full programme of workshops, talks and educational activities with local schools and community groups also takes place.

Senior creative producer at Dreamland, Rebecca Ellis, said: "GEEK is beyond a festival of games - it reveals all of the facets of games making and playing in a social environment. Dreamland is a natural home for a festival of play and games - people have been coming to the park for years in this way."

Co-founder of the festival, Kate Kneale, added: "The team is really excited about the content we have lined up for the 2018 edition. Play and games are powerful forces for good.

"GEEK’s objective is to encourage people to come along and have fun and to explore the creative aspects of gaming. This year promises to have more going on than ever before."

Under fives go free. For tickets visit bit.ly/GEEK2018.