Get your game on as gaming festival GEEK returns to Kent next month.

The three-day festival will have a space theme to mark the 40th anniversary of Space Invaders when it arrives at Dreamland in Margate from Friday, February 16 to 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.

GEEK is coming to Dreamland in Margate

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 with a grand franchise tournament.

A day dedicated to Minecraft will see a cave for build battles and the Jedi Fight Academy will show budding Jedis light saber skills, including those taught by actor Andrew Lawden, who starred in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Alex, five, at last year's GEEK festival Picture: Alan Langley

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.

The popular Cosplay Masquerade will return and visitors can put their gaming skills to the test in tournaments of Street Fighter V, Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, Halo 4 and more.

There will be a full programme of workshops and talks, and throughout February educational activities with local schools and community groups.

GEEK gaming festival at Dreamland in Margate. Picture: Alan Langley

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."

Adriene Collyer at the 2017 GEEK event. l Picture: Alan Langley

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.