Get ready to embark on a journey back in time to celebrate the computing pioneers who paved the way for the digital age. The Retro Computer Festival 2023, taking place on Saturday, November 4th, promises a thrilling experience for enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Hosted at the Centre for Computing History (CCH) in Cambridge, this event is set to be the largest yet, featuring an array of exhibits, rare vintage computers, and interactive demonstrations.
A Day of Computing Nostalgia
The Retro Computer Festival 2023 is your chance to immerse yourself in the world of retro computing. With a focus on celebrating the history, innovation, and culture of personal computing, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
Event Highlights
- Date: Saturday, November 4th, 2023
- Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Venue: Centre for Computing History, Cambridge
- Ticket Prices:
- Adult (Saturday 4th November): £10.00
- Child (Saturday 4th November): £7.00
- Concession (Saturday 4th November): £8.00
- Family (Saturday 4th November): £28.00
While Bonfire Night may be just around the corner, you can rest assured that none of the vintage computers on display will “halt and catch fire.” This year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet, with a lineup of exhibitors that will transport you back in time to the golden age of computing.
Navigating the Festival
The event will take place over an entire weekend, spanning both Saturday, November 4th, and Sunday, November 5th, 2023. The Centre for Computing History will open its doors to welcome enthusiasts who will exhibit their personal collections, retro computing modifications, and state-of-the-art hacks. This festival is a testament to the enduring passion for computing history, and it’s an opportunity to relive the magic of these iconic machines.
COVID Precautions
In the interest of safety, the festival will continue to implement certain COVID-19 precautions to protect both staff and visitors. Hand sanitizers will be readily available throughout the museum, and attendees are encouraged to wash their hands regularly when using the vintage machines.
Meet the Exhibitors
The Retro Computer Festival 2023 boasts an impressive lineup of exhibitors, each with their unique contributions to the world of retro computing. Here are some of the featured exhibitors:
Binary Dinosaurs
Adrian’s collection is a testament to his passion for UK home computing history. Explore his eclectic array of vintage computers and discover the stories behind these iconic machines. (Exhibiting on Saturday & Sunday)
Dexter’s Lab
Mark from DextersTechLab will transport you back to 1995 with Quantel magic. Experience the world of real-time digital painting and TV graphics production. You can even try your hand at presenting the weather and take home free prints of your art. (Exhibiting on Saturday & Sunday)
Tom Stepleton
Travel back to 1975 and witness microcomputers with just 32K of RAM delivering crisp, high-resolution, print-quality graphics. Discover the mesmerizing vector storage tube technology from Tektronix, and if all goes well, try these machines out for yourself. (Exhibiting on Saturday & Sunday)
Sam Battle – Look Mum No Computer
Look mum no computer, a popular YouTuber known for creating quirky retro-related machines, will be surprising us with a collection of delightfully retro creations. What exactly? Well, it’s a mystery even to him! (Exhibiting on Saturday & Sunday)
Mitch Johns
Dive into the world of cipher machines and the secret codebreaking work at Bletchley Park, which led to the development of the first programmable electronic digital computer. (Exhibiting on Saturday & Sunday)
Jonathan Pallant
Join Jonathan ‘theJPster’ Pallant as he showcases a selection of Arm-powered machines from the past and present. Witness the power of a $1 Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and see if it can outperform a 90s RISC workstation. (Exhibiting on Saturday & Sunday)
And Many More
The festival lineup is packed with passionate exhibitors who are eager to share their love for retro computing with you. From classic machines to rare finds, there’s something for everyone.
About the Centre for Computing History
The Centre for Computing History (CCH) is not just the host of this fantastic festival; it’s a pioneering educational charity dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of computing. Established in August 2013, CCH tells the story of the Information Age by exploring the historical, social, and cultural impact of developments in personal computing. It maintains an extensive collection of objects and leverages them through educational programs and events.
Education Services
CCH strives to provide inspirational learning opportunities to diverse audiences, from pre-schoolers to those over 70, to make them confident and creative users of information and digital technology. Their on-site education services include programming and electronics workshops, offering interactive learning experiences using 1980s BBC Micros and Raspberry Pis for school students of all Key Stages and the general public. They also deliver training sessions to teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to teach computing in an engaging way.
Preserving Computing Heritage
With the fast-paced nature of the computing industry, the heritage around its origins and developments is at risk of being lost. CCH’s mission is to preserve this essential part of our heritage and ensure it is valued, celebrated, and secured for posterity. Their internationally significant collection includes over 1,200 historic computers, mobile phones, games consoles, calculators, and much more.
Funding and Management
The Centre for Computing History operates as an independent educational charity and receives no government funding. It relies on the support of individuals, enthusiasts, and corporate partners who recognize the importance of preserving and sharing the history of computing. The dedicated team at CCH manages the day-to-day operations and works tirelessly to fulfill the organization’s educational and preservation missions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to relive the computing history that has shaped our world. Purchase your tickets now and join the Retro Computer Festival 2023 for a nostalgic journey into the past while supporting the Centre for Computing History’s vital mission.
For ticket bookings and more information about the festival, please visit the official Retro Computer Festival 2023 page.
Note: All proceeds from the festival go towards supporting the Centre for Computing History’s Computing Museum.
Contact Information:
- Website: Centre for Computing History
- Address: Rene Court, Coldhams Road, Cambridge, CB1 3EW
- Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 214446
- Donations: collection@computinghistory.org.uk
- General Inquiries: admin@computinghistory.org.uk
- Registered Charity No: 1130071
