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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Leonard Barden

ChessFest back in London as public get chance to take on grandmasters

A game of Living Chess using professional actors at the 2025 ChessFest in Trafalgar Square
This year’s ChessFest in Trafalgar Square will include games of Living Chess featuring professional actors. Photograph: Matthew Chattle/Shutterstock

On Sunday, 12 July, ChessFest, the game’s annual celebration, returns to Trafalgar Square in central London and offers a unique opportunity for ordinary players and their children to experience top chess free of charge. Complete beginners are welcome and will receive helpful instruction from Chess in Schools and Communities tutors.

The action starts at noon and continues until 7pm. Throughout the day, experts including nine-time British champion Michael Adams, three-time champion Gawain Maroroa Jones, and many other international players will give simultaneous displays or be available for one-to-one speed games in the Challenge the Chess Master tent.

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