Gaming fans should get themselves up north for the excellent Play Blackpool event running from May 2nd to May 4th. The show is an absolute bonanza for fans of all things retro, indie and arcade.

The show floor will once again be packed with consoles from every generation and fully unlocked classic arcade cabinets (do not insert coin!), featuring a classic selection of games for you to try. The console range is incredible and you’re bound to find a few that you never even knew existed. Or maybe you’ll finally get to play on something you’ve had your eye on for a while. Last year, I got to try out Nintendo’s ancient Virtual Reality headset, the Virtual Boy which was actually very impressive considering it was in people’s houses in 1995.

The range of modern indie games has been expanded this year. In addition to the wide selection of PC titles, there will also be Xbox One and PS4 areas sporting a wide range of titles, especially ones that feature local multiplayer. If you’ve wanted to try out the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, then this is the place to do it, just like I did last year. Llamasoft have confirmed they’ll once again be bringing something for you to play on it and a few other studios are said to be bringing VR games too.

Be sure to bring some cash as there will be loads of stalls selling games from multiple generations, T-shirts, retro canvasses and other merchandise that you absolutely need. If you’ve got the skills why not enter some of the retro gaming tournaments too?

Having visited the expo last year, I can tell you it has a great vibe that’s so much more relaxed than busier expos like Eurogamer or Gadget show Live. It’s very family friendly too, so bring your kids and show them the consoles you were playing at their age. Then tell them how grateful they should be that they don’t have to load games with cassettes. Actually, don’t. You’ll have to explain what cassettes are and it’ll never end.

Be sure to check out the event’s official website for information on tickets and what’s on. Keep up to date with the latest additions to the show via Facebook and Twitter too. Can’t make it to Blackpool? Replay Events are running a similar show in Margate, Kent.