Nottinghamshire Chess Association invites Newark area players for centenary ChessFest
Newark area chess players have been invited to a centenary ChessFest.
The chance to play on a giant chess set, or to try speed chess with a chess master, get informal coaching for kids or playing tips for adults will be coming to Nottingham on July 15 when ChessFest takes place in Trinity Square.
Festival organisers include former Newark Advertiser chess correspondent Nick London.
Nick, from Lowdham, is an executive committee member of the Nottinghamshire Chess Association (NCA), which is staging the festival.
There will also be action on a giant screen and chess demonstrations, with the event running from 10am to 4pm as the day also marks the centenary of the organisers, Nottinghamshire Chess Association (NCA).
Said Nick: “This is a great chance to see what an accessible and entertaining form of competitive play chess really is, and all the activities are free.
“We have been contacting schools in and around Newark and all over Nottinghamshire to encourage them to take part, but people of all ages are welcome.
“Chess is the best of all indoor games, but it is also great fun to play outdoors in the summer sunshine. Playing chess is a sociable activity that benefits mental health regardless of age, gender or physical abilities – a ‘mind sport’ for life.”
A number of Newark schools have expressed an interest in taking part – Barnby Road, Highfields, Holy Trinity, John Blow at Collingham and Sutton-on-Trent Primary.
Core funding for the event came from a £3,000 grant from Nottinghamshire Chess Foundation, the charity which supports chess development in the county, but the NCA is still seeking sponsors and donations to cover the final £1,000 of costs.
“We have set up a crowd funding page here Nottingham ChessfestJustgiving but we would also love to hear from any Nottinghamshire companies who are interested in getting involved as sponsors.
“We welcome the international master and professional chess commentator, columnist and author Andrew Martin to act as MC for the event.”
In 2004 Andrew Martin set a new world record for simultaneous chess when he faced 321 chess players at the same time, marking up 294 wins, 26 draws and just one loss.
Nick added: “Securing Andrew’s services is quite a coup for us in our centenary year. And chess has become ever more popular, with many getting a taste for playing online during the pandemic. The huge popularity of ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ on TV has also encouraged lots of people – women and men – to try the game at local chess clubs and competitions.
“Serious chess is a quieter affair but outdoor fun chess can be lively, noisy and exciting to watch and to play.”
Dozens of chess sets and tables will be supplied on the day by the NCA
“Anyone can just turn up on the day, watch the action, play a game or get some tips from experts. Adults will be able to get one-on-one guidance and there will be demonstrations to explain the game to non-players. Visitors, shoppers, passers-by and chess enthusiasts will all be welcome to join in or watch the action,” said Nick.
As well as celebrating the NCA’s centenary the event aims to raise the profile of chess in the county and encourage more people of all ages to take up the game and seek out their nearest local chess club. Nick is a member of Radcliffe and Bingham Chess Club.
ChessFest will also be taking place on Sunday July 16 in London and over the sameweekend at events in Birmingham and Liverpool.
ENDS
Pics attached – captions:
Nottinghamshire’s youngest Chess Master Jonah Willow, 20, plays Benji
Humphreys, Notts’ highest-rated 11-year-old, who was recently selected for the
England junior chess squad.
ChessFest’s Nick London in action at Radcliffe and Bingham Chess Club
Nick London teaching chess techniques at Pierrepont Gamston Primary
School, West Bridgford
A giant chess set will be ready for play at Nottingham’s first ever ChessFest.
Pic shows previous year’s London event.
