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Big Geek Fundraiser Logo
28th February 2026

About Us

Welcome to the Big Geek Fundraiser, an annual celebration of geek culture ran entirely by Edge Hill's student societies. Join us on Saturday, 28th February 2026, as we take over the Student Union Building for a day dedicated to great games and even better causes.

Our mission is simple: have fun while giving back. You can test your skills in video game and tabletop tournaments, find your tribe in our social gaming spaces, or browse unique, handmade treasures in our marketplace made up entirely of local vendors and student sellers. With live music throughout the day and a quiet room for those needing a calmer pace, the event is designed for everyone to enjoy.

All proceeds go directly to SpecialEffect, Mermaids, and Action for Children. From all of our tournaments to the "Pub Quiz" afterparty, your presence helps us support those in need. Whether you're here to compete, shop, or just hang out - we can't wait to see you!

What's On

Charities We Support

Charity 1

Special Effect

Special Effect is a UK-based charity founded in 2007 ,enabling physically disabled individuals, particularly children, to play video games. The organization develops and provides specialized gaming equipment tailored to the unique needs of each user. By collaborating with game developers, Special Effect also works to enhance the accessibility of video games. Their efforts aim to improve mental health, foster inclusion, and offer therapeutic benefits to those who might otherwise be excluded from gaming

Charity 2

Mermaids

Mermaids is a British charity that supports gender-diverse and transgender youth. Their overarching aim is to create a world where gender-diverse children and young people can be themselves and thrive. To that end, Mermaids works to relieve the mental and emotional stress of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-variant youth, as well as their families.

Charity 3

Action for Children

Action for Children is a charity dedicated to ensuring safe and happy childhoods for vulnerable children and young people. The charity provides practical and emotional care and support, including family support, disability services, support for young people, fostering and adoption programs, and educational initiatives.

Event Schedule

Throughout the Day

Market

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Poker Tournament

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

TCG Area

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Social Deduction Games

11:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Main Stage Events

Street Fighter 6 Competition

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Mario Kart Competition

03:30 PM - 06:30 PM

Raffle

07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

The Big Geek Pub Quiz

08:00 PM

Where to Find Us

Event Location

Student Union Building

On the day we will be taking over the entire Student Union building, with student-run market stalls selling merchandise and snacks along with live music. A large raffle will be taking place at the end of the event with tickets available for it throughout the day. For all of the ticketed events including events ran by each of the individual societies, watch parties and all of the student-led tournaments that are taking place, tickets will be available to purchase online or on-site

📅 Date: 28th February 2026

⏰ Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

📍 Location: Union Building, Edge Hill University, St Helens Rd, Ormskirk L39 4QP

Frequently Asked Questions

Event Logistics

No! This event is open to everyone!
Certain events will have a 16+ restriction, this includes games not suitable for children. If a ticketed event has an age restriction it will be listed on the ticket platform before purchase.
Aim to arrive for around 10 minutes before the start of the tournament you have entered for signup. Refer to the site schedule for when that is for your tournament.
Yes! The entire venue is wheelchair accessible.
Yes, there are a number of options nearby for food. (The amount spent donated to charity is up to the individual vendor's discretion.)

Tickets & Entry

General Admission tickets will be available at the door on the day. Tournament and event tickets will be exclusively available online.
Yes, each tournament has its own individual ticket that is available online.
There are no discounts for group bookings at this time, but young children under 5 can enter for free.
General Admission tickets include access to all non-ticketed game areas such as the Social Deduction area and non-tournament TCG tables, as well as access to all market stalls.
As ticket purchases are charitable donations, we are unable to offer refunds.

Activities & Participation

Equipment will be provided, but entrants are welcome to bring their own controllers. (Note that if you do bring your own equipment, you are solely responsible for it.)
On the day of the event, go to the information desk and show one of the staff your tournament ticket.
Yes! We will have dedicated staff for different games who are more than happy to show you the ropes for games if you are new.
You are welcome to bring your own trading cards, although any use or trading is at your own risk, and we cannot guarantee that other players will be present.
Raffle tickets are available throughout the day at the market. The draw will take place at 7:00 on the main stage. (Please note that if your ticket is drawn and you aren't in attendance, the ticket will be re-drawn.)

Charity & Donations

100% of your ticket purchase goes directly to charity.
Yes! We have a convenient donation button on this website that lets you donate directly to each charity. (Your donation will be evenly split between all 3 charities.)

Practical Information

Free parking will be available on the day in the main Edge Hill University car park. Signposting will be provided for directions to the venue.
There will not be cloakroom facilities at this venue. Any belongings brought with you are your own responsibility.
Yes. As long as you have a ticket you are free to enter and leave as you wish.
This will vary depending on the individual vendor, but most stalls will accept both cash and card. (In case a vendor only accepts cash, a free ATM is available outside the venue in the Hub building.)

Tournament Specific

Rulesets are available here!
In all tournaments, the top 3 winners will each receive a prize.
You do not need to register your team in advance.

Still have questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Feel free to reach out to us!

Email Us