ChessFest Returns to Hull

Sunday 12th July saw the fifth staging of ChessFest Hull. Held in the Princes Quay Shopping Centre, the event attracts visitors of all standards, from beginners to experts, for fun, free, family-friendly chess activities. ChessFest Hull has always been held on the same day as our flagship event in Trafalgar Square - in the past consultation games between the two cities have taken place during the day.

Over time, ChessFest Hull has developed its own identity. Alongside the usual casual games and play on our giant set, a local junior rapidplay tournament takes place, split into two sections (Challengers and Champions). This tournament provides healthy junior prizes in both sections and crowns the Hull and East Riding Junior Rapid Play Champions for the year.

This year a local player (Stanley Mount) was the successful winner of the Champions section with a score of 4½ out of 5. (Alex Chan who was the pre tournament favourite due to his higher grade finished in second on 4 out of 5 followed by Ethan Wake in sole 3rd place on 3½ out of 5. The Challenges Section was won by Edward Bernard with 5 out of 5, closely followed by James Speight in second on 4 out of 5. A further 4 players shared third place with 3 out of 5.

A huge thank you to the Princess Quay Shopping Centre, Hull and East Riding Chess Association, and the many volunteers that gave their time for free on the day.