UK Maker Faire 2010

Just got back after two days solid talking with my voice down about two octaves.
I will tell you if it was fun or not when I finally wake up (probably about Wednesday).
Lots more stands than last year so not as much space for all my stuff but I managed to show most of it.

I hadn't realised they were charging for entry this year.

Did they? Some of the flyers said it was free. I never went through the front door so I don't know.
Attendance was down a bit on the Sunday but maybe that was because it was mothers day.

Now to put my new stuff on line. :wink:

Craig, That's great. Welcome to the community. :slight_smile:

Mike, I'm glad it went well for you. It was good to see more stands and the event growing. There can't have been much less space; there were more stands but it was also in a much bigger space.

I went around a couple of times and on each occasion there was someone by the door to the marquee and at the base of the ramp leading to the inside area checking tickets.

There were a few things going on outside which were free. That might be what the flyers were referencing.

There can't have been much less space;

Last year I had three trestle tables and this year I only got two. The started off by giving me one but I talked it up. So yes it was bigger in that it had more stands but then individual exhibitors had less space.

I thought the cover charge was reasonable. We got a weekend pass (2 adults & 2 children) for £15.

I thought it was a great event with a well balanced emphasis on family fun style activities. My kids totally enjoyed the weekend, they loved the opportunity to build something for themselves.

The time seam to pass so quickly I wish it had lasted longer and I had more time to talk "shop". But it was great to meet Anachrocomputer and see his UK101 working, the guys from the Parallax forums and many other exhibitors who I managed to chat with.

I must of missed Grumpy_Mike's stand. Where were was your stand Mike?

Where were was your stand Mike?

Next but one to the Darlek, the one with the LED Harp on the corner.

next to the guys and girls from sonodrome?

The other way if I remember. Next to the building mathematics group/display.

next to the guys and girls from sonodrome?

Not that I know of. I was down stairs opposite where the LEGO robots were being programmed by kids to get pots of sweets. Next to that couple in the perspex box.

I had the Harp, the pendulum, and the Escher Footsteps (large circle of pressure pads on the floor).

right, I remember you now.

I was on those LEGO robots with my kids getting the pots of sweats :slight_smile:

Leon Heller from the Parallax and Xmos Exchange forums has posted some pictures from the faire:

http://www.leonheller.com/Maker%20Faire%202010/

http://www.leonheller.com/MakerFaire%202010%20(2)/

My own photos from the Maker Faire:

here are some my son posted:-
http://picasaweb.google.com/alecjcook/20100314MakerFaire#

Thanks John and Mike for posting your pictures.

Here are some more from my friends Jim and Kat from Sonodrome:

and Jonathan Street has a nice write up here:

http://jonathanstreet.com/blog/newcastle-maker-faire-2010

Maker faire looked like great fun. I just wish the organisers would also run some Maker Faires in the South of England as getting to Newcastle from Kent isn't easy for a day out.

Yes but it makes a change from everything happening in London.

The BBC have now released their video report from the event:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8586421.stm

Looks good!

Maker faire looked like great fun. I just wish the organisers would also run some Maker Faires in the South of England as getting to Newcastle from Kent isn't easy for a day out.

Yes but it makes a change from everything happening in London.

With the success of Maker Faire @ Newcastle I'm sure they will have faires in other cities around the UK and Europe the same as the do in the US.

I agree with Mike is was nice to have a something that wasn't London based for a change.

Just added my video of the event to You Tube:-

It is amazing how little time you have to look round when you are exhibiting.

The South doesn't mean London. I mean ANYWHERE in the South, i.e. easier for me to drive to (I live in Kent). I'd happily drive for about 2 hours to get to a Faire. butr Newcastle is at least a 5 hour drive ther and 5 hours back.