ChessFest! 12 July - All the Details!
- Iain Bourne
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
ChessFest heads south for the very first time – and lands in Portishead!
Saturday 12 July 2025 · 10:00–16:00 · Portishead Marina & Jubilee Park
PORTISHEAD, Somerset – National phenomenon ChessFest, the open-air celebration that last summer drew over 23,000 players to London’s Trafalgar Square, is making history again: before it returns to the capital on Sunday 13 July, it will launch its first-ever town-based festival — in Portishead.
Previously hosted only in cities like Hull, Liverpool, and London, ChessFest now adds Portishead to its official map. This once-in-a-lifetime community celebration of chess is entirely free, family-friendly, and has been organised in just eight weeks by Jane Norton and Jack Tye, Regional Coordinators for Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC), who teach chess across Portishead’s primary schools and run its fast-growing junior club.
What’s happening on the day ?
Time | Where | Unmissable moments |
09:00–11:30 | Zone 4 – Portishead Primary courts | First-ever Portishead Interschool Primary Championships (U11 & U9). Trophy ceremony at 11:30, led by global ChessKid star “FunMaster Mike” Klein (K-L-E-I-N) from America. |
10:00–16:00 | Zone 1 – Aqua restaurant | Brunch Blitz Chess – fast games where the loser buys the coffee. Twenty boards available, with all-day brunch and drinks service. |
10:00–16:00 | Zone 2 – Outside Parish Wharf Leisure Centre | Elite Zone: Challenge or watch International Master Chris Beaumont in simultaneous displays – and possibly blindfold chess. Open to strong players and spectators alike. |
10:00–16:00 | Zone 3 – Kids’ Zone (beside Portishead Primary) | Giant chess boards, free teaching tables, giveaways – and coaching by FunMaster Mike Klein from ChessKid, the world’s most popular junior chess platform (10 million children taught worldwide). |
12:15 & 14:30 | Zone 5 – Ark of Angels amphitheatre | Living Chess Play – 32 costumed participants (children, teachers, parents) re-enact an Alice-through-the-Looking-Glass chess game, narrated by the Mad Hatter. Each performance lasts 45–50 minutes. Bring a rain poncho! |
Quotes
“We’re so proud to be bringing ChessFest to Portishead – not just a first for the South West, but the first time it’s ever been held outside a city.”
— Jane Norton, CSC Regional Coordinator for Bristol and the South West, and Portishead junior club organiser .
“After Hull, Liverpool and London, Portishead is now on the ChessFest map – and we’re doing it our way: full of heart, imagination and community spirit.”
— Jack Tye, CSC Regional Coordinator & Portishead Chess Club coach
“Chess is the world's most popular board game, with 605 million adults playing regularly. Its popularity is soaring, especially among young people, as it is associated with enhanced cognitive abilities, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and increased resilience and confidence.
Don't miss out on covering this unique and exciting event!”
-Iain Bourne , Portishead junior club and tournament organiser .
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Press & media details
Visual highlights: blindfold chess, giant marina chess, children in costume, five schools competing in live tournament play.
Media desk: Open from 08:30 at Aqua – includes Wi-Fi, coffee, and press liaison support. We can arrange press parking if you contact us .
First aiders: Clearly visible in high-vis jackets throughout the event.
Volunteers: Wearing yellow lanyards and available to assist the public at all zones.
Key information
Admission: FREE – no booking required
Website: https://portisheadchessclub.com
Facebook: fb.com/groups/PortisheadChess
Press contacts:
• Jane Norton – CSC Regional Coordinator
Tel: 07974 365 006 · Email: portisheadchessclub@gmail.com
• Jack Tye – CSC Regional Coordinator
Email: tye.jack@rocketmail.com
Come and witness a chess celebration like no other – community-powered, wonderfully British, and 100% Portishead. Rain or shine, we’ll be there – and we’d love you to join us.
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