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As you may know this year is the 30th anniversary of the ZX Spectrum and there is an event being held in Cambridge September 8th/9th celebrating the birthday of the classic computer. Details bellow and if you want to see Spectrums and other classic computer come to our user group 22nd September where the The Centre for Computing History will be brining Spectrums, BBC Micros and other retro computers.

Taking place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September at Anglia Ruskin University’s Helmore building overlooking the former Cambridge headquarters of Sinclair Research, the 30th birthday party will feature this year’s biggest gathering of ZX Spectrum enthusiasts, with visitors travelling from countries including Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain.
The show will be separated into three main areas:
• An exhibition area for people demonstrating current projects, such as an Internet connection that enables Twitter users to tweet from using the ZX Spectrum.
• An area for the remaining Sinclair dealers, magazines, museums and computer clubs presenting their work.
• The 400 seat lecture theatre where there will be a series of presentations and guest talks.
Highlights will include the obligatory performance by MJ Hibbet of “Hey Hey 16k”, Roelof Koning extensive collection of ZX Spectrum clones from around the world, and a talk from veteran games industry developer Steven Goodwin on the issues of digital archeology, and a panel talk including Rick Dickinson.
There will be gaming and programming competitions throughout the day, with the results shown on a large screen and visitors able to vote for the best game and best demo of the event.
The event also sees the return of the ZX Microfair, originally conceived by Mike Johnston as a way for smaller manufactures to connect directly with enthusiasts. On Saturday those with Spectrums in need of repair can bring them along to the stall run by Ian Gledhill of Mutant Caterpillar Games. Other confirmed exhibitors include Rockrabilia, RWAP Software, Retro GT, the Centre of Computing History, and the Retro Computer Museum.
Tickets, which include a £5 voucher for food and drink in the refreshment area, are available for individual days, priced £18 each, or both days priced £23 each. With the main events taking place on Saturday, demand is expected to be high and places are limited so booking early is advised. Arrangements are still being made and visitors are advised to check the website http://www.spectrum30.org.uk/ for up to date scheduling information.
The Anglia Ruskin University website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/ provides detailed information on how to get there. Although there is no on-site car, there are park & ride parks with free parking nearby. The show is about a mile’s walk from Cambridge train station, but there are busses.

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