Festival is fun and games for console crowd

GAMING enthusiasts took over Margate's Winter Gardens this week for Geek (Games Expo East Kent).

The gaming festival opened its doors on Wednesday to scores of computer whiz-kids who turned out to celebrate computer and video games.

GEEKS: Jamie Sayer and George Bryant play on some of the retro video games Geek has on offer GIIS20120215A-003_C
ARCADE FIRE: Jordan Reid plays on the classic Street Fighter arcade game GIIS20120215A-005_C
SUPER MARIO BROTHERS: Brothers Danny and Rory Catlin do battle GIIS20120215A-012_C
GAME ON: Howard Barnes-Hemmings and Alexia Jackson enjoy half-term fun at Geek GIIS20120215A-017_C
RETRO FUN: Efrem Morgan gives an old game a try GIIS20120215A-014_C

Computer game fans had the opportunity to play retro titles including Street Fighter, Sonic and Super Mario Bros.

More than 150 gaming systems were installed in the main hall, which was separated into game-specific zones.

Japanese drummers performed an afternoon's set in keeping with the international theme of the gaming world.

A tournament pit was installed where competitive players battled it out for the chance to win a trophy and the glory of being crowned winner.

A series of talks and presentations were held in the Queen's Hall, with a mulitmedia programme of fringe events taking place all over Thanet.

Geek runs until Sunday and an all-day play pass, priced £12, is available by calling 01843 296111 or logging on to eticketing.co.uk/margatewintergardens