ChessFest Returns to Portishead

ChessFest returned to the delightful Somerset town of Portishead on Saturday 11th July, building on our inaugural event in 2025. Once again, the festival was spread across several venues; it didn’t matter where you were in Portishead - the chess was never far away! The event was organised by CSC with the support of Portishead Chess Club and many of the pupils from our four schools in the town were involved in the action.

The many visitors were offered a wide selection of chess activities. On a giant chess board near the waterfront, a living chess set entertained visitors by re-enacting some famous games of chess. Elsewhere, CSC tutors offered free chess lessons and coaching to the many visitors. Local chess master Chris Beaumont took on four league players simultaneously without sight of any of the boards in a very impressive blindfold display while ChessKid’s Maddie (NM Lejean-Anușca Mădălina-Maria) engaged many of the younger visitors with puzzle competitions. A very competitive fancy dress competition was won by Malachy, who dressed up as a full chess game, complete with a clock on his head!

The day was massively enjoyed by all the visitors and was a great triumph for the game of chess. Our huge thanks to Jack Tye and Jane Norton, who have transformed chess in Portishead over the past few years, to their hardworking and dedicated team of tutors and volunteers, and to all the children, parents, and members of the local chess community who made possible such a successful day.