Colchesster

12/05/2026

Lots of kids enjoyed their first chess tournament at the Mayor's chess day in the Moot Hall on 21 February. Now, more chess for kids in a local tournament...
This time with parking!

https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/local-events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/3631912-uk-chess-challenge-essex-megafinal-2026-juniors-sunday-31-may-2026

12/05/2026

Hoping for great weather this year - as well as great beer and some friendly chess.

https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/local-events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/3631915-an-afternoon-of-chess-saturday-6-june-2026-at-ye-olde-albion-rowhedge

08/05/2026

Great to see so many people enjoying chess! You can see how Colchester teams are doing in the North Essex Chess League by diligent study of the website https://necl.org.uk/

06/05/2026

A couple of changes to 'where to play chess in Colchester' to announce: Following the Mayor's May Day chess at Level Best Enterprises, there are now chess sets there for customers to use. Also, while the cafe on the Rec is being refurbished, take your own chess sets if you want to play on the chess table there. See the ColCHESSter website for full info as usual. https://colchesster.org.uk/places-to-play-chess-in-colchester/

04/05/2026

Well worth supporting the Level Best Cafe and you too can play chess there as our Mayor left some chess sets for customers to play. Or, visit E2-E4 for a friendly chess club welcome.

24/04/2026

Play chess with the Mayor

Drop by for a game with the Mayor of Colchester - fresh from his game with Pam Cox MP.

At Level Best Enterprises, 26 St John's St, Colchester CO2 7HB from 1.30 to 4.00 pm Friday 1 May 2026.

Good food, good company, good chess!

For his year in office, Level Best Enterprises is one of Cllr Mike Lilley's chosen charities and there is still time to donate over the board or online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/colchestermayorscharities

14/04/2026

I had an email reminder for this today. A great reason to join the ECF if you are not a member! You can also follow the fun online, so no need to worry that there is nothing to watch after the Candidates.

I don't play online as my arms are not long enough to manage the handshake.

Dear ECF Member,
We invite you to join us for a special event in support of a great cause. On Saturday, 18 April, the English Chess Federation will host a 24-hour online chess marathon in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.
This event is held in memory of Adam Hunt and Jonathan Hawkins, two much-loved members of our chess community who gave so much as players, coaches, and mentors. The marathon brings players, friends, and supporters together to honour their legacy and help others affected by cancer.
Event Details
• Date & Time: 18–19 April, 5:00 pm (UK time)
• Register for the tournament
• Join the ECF Open Club on Chess.com
• Play in the 24-hour marathon
• Live Coverage: ECF YouTube channel
Top chess personalities such as Simon Williams, Frankie and Stanley Badacsonyi, Jovanka Houska, Natasha Regan, Matthew Sadler, and many more will be commentating throughout the event on the ECF YouTube channel.

Play, donate, or support. You can find more information here:
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/24-hour-chess-marathon-in-support-of-macmillan-cancer-support/

Every donation makes a difference and pays tribute to Adam, Jonathan, and everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer. Donations can be made with your entry or via the JustGiving page.
Thank you for being part of the chess community, and we hope to see you online for this special event.
Best wishes,
English Chess Federation

The English Chess Federation is hosting a 24-hour online chess marathon in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

This special event is held in memory of Adam Hunt and Jonathan Hawkins, two much-loved members of our chess community who gave so much as players, coaches, and mentors.

🗓️ 18 April, 18–19 April, 5:00 pm (UK time)
♟️ Platform: Chess.com
▶️ Live coverage on the ECF YouTube channel

The tournament and live stream will feature leading players from across the chess community, with Natasha Regan, Matthew Sadler, and some of England’s most exciting young talents.

Take part, donate, or learn more here:
https://www.englishchess.org.uk/24-hour-chess-marathon-in-support-of-macmillan-cancer-support/

Every donation supports Macmillan’s work and honours the memory of Adam and Jonathan.

11/04/2026

Now that Easter has come and gone, the Colchester chess calendar is back to normal. Why not try the 'Sunday Morning Chess Sesh' as seen on the notice board in the The Minories Commons cafe. Also take a look at some great art at The Minories and Firstsite: lovers of trees and leather jackets are well served!

https://colchesster.org.uk/colchester-chess-calendar/

30/03/2026

International Day of Zero Waste? Easter? April Fools Day? There is a lot going on at this time of year!

Chess has just started the tournaments to select the next challengers for the World Championships. https://calendar.fide.com/calendar.php?id=10837

My personal favourite commentary team (live) of Gustafsson and Svidler are back in action with a mix of top Grandmaster analysis and humour that some people like :-) As well, you can enjoy YouTube coverage silently. Check out https://www.youtube.com/

If you would rather play than watch - or do both - in Colchester the chess calendar shows meetups and changes to the usual ones over the Easter bank holidays period (E2-E4 and u3a show changes): https://colchesster.org.uk/colchester-chess-calendar/

26/03/2026

If your family was at the Mayor's chess day you might now fancy an outing to Wivenhoe - great place and some friendly chess over the Easter hols too.

Could Wivenhoe be home to the next Queen of Chess?

Celebrate the release of Netflix's documentary series about the GOAT, Judit Polgar, by joining us for our Easter holiday chess sessions!

Thursday 2 April 2026, 2-4pm
Thursday 9 April 2026, 2-4pm

Venue: Wivenhoe Town Council offices (opposite the library)

All ages and abilities welcome, from young prodigies to retirement-age beginners. Drop in at any point for a friendly game.

Please note children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

With thanks to Wivenhoe Town Council for hosting and supporting us

Colchesster E2-E4 Colchester chess club