ChessFest 2026

♟️ Thousands of chess enthusiasts gathered in London's Trafalgar Square on 12 July for ChessFest 2026, a free, family-friendly celebration of the game that welcomed players of all ages and abilities. From beginner lessons and giant chess sets to simultaneous exhibitions and the chance to challenge titled players, the one-day festival showcased chess as a game that brings communities together. Congratulations to everyone who took part in making ChessFest another memorable celebration of chess! 🌍 Video: @Chess_Fest #ChessFest

What’s the biggest chessboard you’ve ever played on? Ours takes over Trafalgar Square. Here’s a look at the Giant Speed Chess Challenge from ChessFest, where every move had to be made at lightning speed! ⚡ Organised by @schoolschess and proudly supported by @xtxmarkets

Great to again help with the simuls at @Chess_Fest today! Lovely to see Trafalgar Square so full of chess, fun and positivity. Big kudos to @schoolschess, @TelegraphChess and @xtxmarkets for making it all happen. Even Cape Verde fans could be spotted queuing! #chess

How many games can you keep track of at once? 🤯♟️ Bodhana Sivanandan makes it look effortless during her simultaneous display at ChessFest. Organised by @schoolschess and proudly supported by @xtxmarkets

The best thing about ChessFest? Seeing strangers become opponents, and opponents become friends. Come and enjoy a casual game in the heart of London. Organised by @schoolschess and proudly supported by @xtxmarkets

It’s a party on the giant chess board in Trafalgar Square! 🎉

One and only @GothamChess has a message for you! If you’re heading to ChessFest today, you’ve got a warm welcome from the world’s biggest chess creator! 📍 Trafalgar Square 🕛 12:00–7:00pm 🎟️ Free enty Organised by @schoolschess and proudly supported by @xtxmarkets

Can you win without seeing the board? 👀♟️ Take on the Blindfold Master Challenge with @GMGawain and @stuthefox. Memory and calculation are put to the ultimate test. ♟️ Organised by @schoolschess and proudly sponsored by @xtxmarkets #ChessFest #BlindfoldChess #Chess

The chess pieces are coming to life in Trafalgar Square. 🦊🦉🦌 Take a seat and enjoy the show! Who’s your favourite character? ♟️ Organised by @schoolschess and proudly sponsored by @xtxmarkets #ChessFest

Hey @chesscom, recognise this screen? It has taken over central London.

Planning your ChessFest visit? Here’s today’s main stage schedule! Watch chess on the giant screen, enjoy our wildlife-themed living chess performances, and catch all the action live throughout the day. 📍 Trafalgar Square 🎟️ Free entry Proudly sponsored by @xtxmarkets

The countdown is over! See you today! 🌞♟️

📣 @Chess_Fest is nearly here! 🇬🇧 Trafalgar Square turns black and white tomorrow, Sunday 12th July. I'll be there with my banner from 2pm onwards at the @ChessAndBridge tent 📚 Sunshine, signing books & smiling! A #GiftofChess London launch, what a setting! ☕️ 🎡♟️🖤🤍🖤

A special video message from @DavidHowellGM 📍 Sunday 12 July | 12pm–7pm 🎟️ Free entry Proudly sponsored by @xtxmarkets and organised by @schoolschess

Off to London tomorrow for the large annual summer celebration: ChessFest! No entry cost, just turn up at Trafalgar Square between 12 and 7pm. Opportunity to play loads of top players. Or just soak up the al-fresco chess atmosphere. Hope to meet many of you there. @Chess_Fest

Portishead ChessFest is underway! There’s still time to join the fun at Portishead Marina before 5pm. Giant chess, family activities, live chess performances, tournaments, coaching, prizes and much more – all FREE. Proudly sponsored by @xtxmarkets

This is a very big weekend for @Chess_Fest, proudly sponsored by @xtxmarkets. The event at Portishead is today!

ChessFest 2026 to mark anniversary of 175-year-old ‘Immortal Game’ in London’s Trafalgar Square londondaily.news/?p=880985 #news #london #londonnews londondaily.news/chessfest-2026…

Think you can beat Bodhana Sivanandan? There’s only one way to find out! Come and try at ChessFest this Sunday in Trafalgar Square! 😄 📅 Sunday 12 July | 12-7pm 📍 Trafalgar Square 🎟️ Free for everyone Organised by @schoolschess and proudly sponsored by @xtxmarkets

Nice to see ChessFest featured by @British_Esports Chess takes over Trafalgar Square this Sunday. It’s free and open to everyone! See what’s coming britishesports.org/bef-events/che…