We Invented the Weekend is an amazing festival in Salford, Great Manchester, celebrating the granting, in 1843, of rights for workers to enjoy leisure time on Saturday afternoons. What better way to pass that time than playing a game of chess! CSC was delighted to be invited to run chess activities at the festival, which was held at Media City and Salford Quays.

At the Lowry Plaza, our giant set was one of the star attractions of Play Street, an area where children could engage in a variety of games and physical activities. Our tutors were on hand to offer some coaching tips and to lightly referee the play - there were some epic battles!

Meanwhile, at the University of Salford site, plenty of chess was played on more conventionally sized boards. CSC tutors ran group lessons and one-to-one coaching sessions, introducing many of the festival’s visitors to the game for the first time.

Our thanks to all the visitors over both days of the festival for their enthusiasm for chess, to Salford City Council for financial support, and to the organisers of the event for inviting us to take part in such a great celebration of free time. We hope to return in 2027!

photo credits: Mykola Romanovsky, Mykola Romanovsky, Chris Currie

We Invented the Weekend

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