Portishead, Somerset

10am-4pm, Saturday 11th July 2026

ChessFest returns to Portishead this July for a day of fun, family-friendly, free chess activities. Please join us and our amazing team for a great day out. From young to old, beginner to grandmaster, ChessFest Portishead has something for everyone. Our amazing team are currently working on the schedule for the day but here’s last year’s listing so you know what to expect:

• Zone 1 - Casual Chess at Aqua. Visitors enjoyed a game of chess with brunch and coffee in this great restaurant on Portishead Marina.

• Zone 2 - Elite Chess on Parish Wharf.Visitors challenged a master to a game of blitz chess and took part in a simultneous display against International Master Chris Beaumont.

• Zone 3 - Kids Zone outside Portishead Leisure Centre.Visitors received a chess lesson from one of many junior coaches and met ChessKid’s Fun Master Mike Klein, who ran activities for children of all ages.

• Zone 4 - Schools Competition at Portishead Primary School (9am-11am). An inter-school chess tournament for local children.

• Zone 5 - Ark of Angels in Jubilee Park. Visitors watched a game of living chess on a giant board, which featured local adult and junior chess players as the pieces and pawns. Performances occurred at 12.15pm and 2.30pm.

For more details of the event, please contact CSC Regional Coordinator for Bristol, Jane Norton.