If you have never been to a computer fair before, then it can simply be described as a collection of traders selling computer related products in one place. This means, in a venue like a leisure centre, conference centre or even football stadiums, we bring together many traders to compete in selling their articles to the public. Because of the competition between traders, margins become very slim and you as the consumer save money.

Advance Computers Fairs hold fairs across the North West of England. Through an ever expanding list of shows, our aim is simple, to bring you the prices you want to pay to a location near you!

We have everything the big name computer stores have and much, much more! Most of our traders usually sell through their shops, mail order or over the Internet. Our fairs give them an extra channel of sales to people and areas they wouldn't usually have access to. Margins can be kept to the minimum, as these are sales they wouldn't otherwise get. The fairs also give them a low cost stall, without the high costs of rent, rates, utility bills, staff and advertising which shops usually incur, their costs are significantly lower. These saving can then be passed to you as a consumer.

At all our fairs you'll find a range of PC systems to suit you, a massive range of hardware (memory,chips, graphic cards, modems, motherboards, cases, etc) and all of the latest software and games. There are also products not normally found in retail shops. Second User equipment, vast arrays of computer peripherals (e.g. computer cables, accessories, add-on cards and devices), network hardware, shareware, inks and stuff that you wouldn't find anywhere else! There's also lots of advice and a FREE magazine - The Show Guide*!

There is also the advantage that you don't have to pay postage and you can see and talk to people about the products you want to buy before you hand over your hard earned money.

So, what have you to lose? Check out the Show Diary to find the next show nearest to you. If you need more details on the locations, see the Show Guide page.



We charge a small entrance fee, to cover the costs of the venue, advertising, our staff and other expenses. Our Sunday and Carlisle fairs are £2.50 for adults or just £2.00 for most of our other fairs, £1 for OAP, £1.50 for students and children (under 12) are FREE, unless otherwise stated.

All of our weekend fairs are 10am to 3pm and our weekday fairs 5pm till 9pm, unless otherwise stated (Bank Holiday Fairs are usually 10am to 3pm - check the Show Diary for actual times). So what's the best time to come? Obviously, at the beginning nothing will have been sold so all the bargains will be there. There will be more choice because traders wouldn't have been able to sell out. This is always the busiest time and will take longer to get around. Midway (lunch time on weekends) can become quieter. Near the end is usually the quietest, but many bargains can be found as traders can and often do reduce prices to get rid of stock (remember, traders will pay less for higher quantities that they buy, so the more they sell, the cheaper they can buy). It may also sound funny, but the less stock they have left at the end, the less they have to pack and take home so the easier their job! If you need a large product such as a large monitor, making offers at the end of a fair often do reap good rewards! The only problem with arriving late, is that some traders can sell out of popular items.

How can I pay? As most traders have shops, they can accept payments in all forms: credit cards, cheques, debit cards and cash. Some of the smaller traders won't be able to accept credit/debit cards, so it depends on what and who you are buying from. Cash will always get you the best deals. Some traders may put a surcharge on using other forms of payment. Please ask them before you buy! We suggest to use credit cards on large purchases, as credit card companies usually give you some purchase protection/insurance. Check your credit card details to find out more.


*subject to availability