Nostalgia expo _{by Madelaine Empson}

“In a world where everything is becoming digital and disposable, physical games, movies, toys, and collectibles feel more important than ever. They carry stories and memories,” says Arrol Lal, director of Geek Inventory and organiser of The Retro Event.

The Retro Event started in a small hall in Auckland and has evolved into one of New Zealand’s largest celebrations of retro gaming and pop culture; from a humble Charmander to a bigger, tougher Charmeleon and finally to a mighty Charizard spreading its wings across multiple venues and volumes. For the first time ever and after repeated requests, The Retro Event will set Pōneke alight, turning up the heat at the Wellington Indian Association on Kemp Street in Kilbirnie on Saturday the 12^th of September.

This nostalgia expo brings collectors, families, gamers, and fans of all ages together for one huge day of retro gaming, cosplay, competitions, displays, and activities, with plenty of surprises peppered in along the way. Hundreds of local and national vendors will congregate to sell everything from consoles to comics, collectibles to cards across the worlds of Pokémon, Beyblades, Transformers, and so many more.

When it comes to the first ever Retro Event in Wellington, Arrol is “most excited about seeing families experience it together”.

“It’s more than buying collectibles or playing retro games. It’s parents showing their kids the things they grew up with, sharing those memories, and creating completely new ones together. What was our nostalgia can become the next generation’s nostalgia too.”

Arrol’s favourite feedback from Retro-rovers is when “parents tell us the event helped them connect with their kids over something they both enjoyed”.

“I hope Wellington families leave with something they can keep, share, and remember together.”

Autobots, transform and roll out to The Retro Event!