Techies and nerds battle for title

Hoxton’s hip image will go out the window when nerdy types with side-partings, cardigans and thick-rimmed glasses descend on it for the first ever Geek of the Year 2010 competition on Tuesday evening.

The accepted definition of a geek as someone unattractive, akward, socially inept and computer obsessed will not, however, be the criteria used when the Zigfrid von Underbelly arts and entertainment venue in Hoxton Square stages the contest.

Ally Millar, 25, editor of technology and culture website, geeks.co.uk,which is staging the event, said the purpose was to celebrate rather than poke fun at people who might identify as geeks.

“We started out with the idea that the definition of geek has changed. A geek is simply someone with a deep interest in their chosen topic, be it film, art, music, cooking, gadgets or gaming.

“Geek of the Year will be a night to celebrate and reward that passion,” he added.

The inaugural ceremony will see one winner walk away with a �5,000 holiday and an editorial spot on the geeks.co.uk website.

Comedian Adam Bloom and up-and-coming rockers, Ex Libras, will provide the evening’s entertainment, while the winner will be chosen by a panel of “geek experts” headed up by Iain Morris. the writer of Bafta award-wining TV sitcom, “The Inbetweeners.”

Those wishing to be considered for the title of Geek of the Year 2010 can still enter at http://www.facebook.com/GeekoftheYearUK