 | Vintage Computer Festival June 19, 2010 to June 20, 2010 [ Start time : 10:30, end time : 17:00 ] Britain’s largest celebration of vintage computing is to be held at The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) in Bletchley Park from 19-20 June 2010.
Originating ten years ago in California’s Silicon Valley, to celebrate our computing heritage, Vintage Computing Festivals are now regular events held across the USA and in Germany. The June 2010 event at TNMOC will be the first in the UK and will pay particular tribute to the British contribution to the development of computing. The festival will have exhibition stands, a full lecture programme, machine demonstrations, computer games and challenges, bring-and-buy sale, and performances of electronic music. Kevin Murrell, VCF co-ordinator and a trustee and director of TNMOC said: “The historic and spacious setting of Bletchley Park is perfect for the event – and with The National Museum of Computing on the same site, it will surely draw visitors from overseas as well as from across Britain. With visitor numbers expected to exceed one thousand, the Festival offers a great opportunity for potential sponsors.” Exhibitions already committed include Acorn, Amiga, Atari, PDP11, Retro Computer Museum, Sinclair, and Sundown Demoparty (PCs). There will be performances by Pixelh8 and a guest appearance by one of the pioneers of British synthpop. One of the leading innovators of British microchip and computing technology will be a special guest. Sophie Wilson, co-designer of the BBC micro – the machine that introduced computing to a generation – and developer of the RISC/ARM processor – the chip at the heart of over 90% of mobile phones – will talk about her time and experiences at Acorn, when British brains led the world in the microcomputer revolution. To buy tickets please visit The Bletchley Park Shop and purchase a Bletchley Park Season ticket which will give you access to the event. Bring your confirmation e-mail with you on the day of the event, or you can purchase tickets on the day.
A walk on the geek side with OMD at Britain’s first Vintage Computing Festival Tickets now on sale
Two of the pioneers of British synthesiser music, OMD frontmen Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, will be appearing at Britain’s first Vintage Computer Festival (VCF). Held at The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) at Bletchley Park, McCluskey and Humphreys will play and talk on the Saturday of the two-day weekend event. "This first VCF in Britain is attracting huge interest from participants and visitors alike," says Simon Hewitt, VCF lead organiser. "Already in the line-up are Sophie Wilson - co-designer of the BBC micro - author Christine Finn, Tony Sale and other well-known speakers. There will also be displays from vintage brands such as Acorn World and Amiga user groups. Tickets have just gone on sale and we are anticipating large attendances on both days." On the Saturday of the VCF, OMD frontmen Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys will talk about their musical influences, style, and early career, which stemmed from the legendary Eric's nightclub in Liverpool. There will be an audience Q&A, and they will play some of their best-known hits, as well as premiering a few tracks from "History of Modern", the band’s first new album in 14 years. McCluskey and Humphreys have been at the forefront of British pop music for over thirty years. As Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, they named themselves after one of their own early songs. They developed a unique style of intelligent, electronic pop melodies which led to a string of hits including Electricity, Messages, Enola Gay and Maid of Orleans. More recently the band has reformed to play live, appear with philharmonic orchestras and create art installations. Their new album, "The History of Modern", is due for release in September this year. "We are delighted to be playing at Bletchley Park and celebrating British computer history at The National Museum of Computing," says McCluskey. "We all have our 'geek' side." Tickets to see McCluskey and Humphreys in the intimate Bletchley Park Mansion cost £20. Tickets are strictly limited and must be booked in advance from http://www.etickets.to/buy/?e=4677 (Entry to the performance is separate from VCF entrance).
Lots more will be announced soon. To keep up-to-date, see www.tnmoc.org/vcf-gb.aspx For general enquiries and to join the mailing list, email vcf@tnmoc.org
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