RETRO GAMING: South Coast Slam in Worthing

WORTHING will become Britain’s mecca for retro gaming when it hosts a pinball and arcade event featuring more than 140 machines.

The South Coast Slam takes place on Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6, at the Charmandean Centre, in Forest Road, and will feature old favourites Pacman, Donkey Kong and Asteroids, as well as modern arcade games like Time Crisis and House of Dead 3.

The event’s fast-growing reputation has attracted Europe’s finest arcade and pinball machine players, who will compete in a range of tournaments over the weekend.

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But there will also be room for casual gamers to play on the machines, which date from the 1970s to the present.

Organiser Will Barber, of Beaumont Road, Worthing, said he was hoping to build on the success of the event last year, which attracted hundreds of people.

The 36-year-old said: “I am trying to replicate the shows in America, which attract thousands of visitors.

“The classic game scene has gone crazy over there.

“The South Coast Slam is kind of putting Worthing on the map in the geeky underbelly of classic video gaming.”

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After the success of the debut event last year, which was also held in Worthing, South Coast Slam has now received the backing of video gaming royalty, Billy Mitchell, who starred in the cult arcade documentary King of Kong.

He will be one of the sponsors of a raffle which features a classic pinball machine among its prizes, with profits going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The event runs from 10am to 6.30pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Entrance is £10 for the day and free for children aged 14 and under who are accompanied by adults.

Email [email protected] for more information.

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