British Chess Championships 2024 Social Programme

All events are pre-bookable via the online registration form here — https://britchess.wufoo.com/forms/bcc-2024-social-programme-registration-form/ – and as numbers for events are limited you are advised to pre-book. You can also book at the event subject to availability.

Tickets will be provided from the Hull and East Riding Chess Association stall at the City Hall (adjacent to the bookstall). This will be open 11.00 – 14.30 and between 17.00 and 18.00 every day. All enquiries to the ECF at office@englishchess.org.uk or to Stephen Greep, who is co-ordinating the programme, at sjgreep@gmail.com

The English Chess Federation are grateful to Hull and East Riding Chess Association, Hull City Council, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire and the Chess Trust for organising and sponsoring the events within the Social Programme.

For players arriving by train there will be a greeting stall provided by VHEY (Visit Hull and East Riding) from Friday 26th July to Monday 29th July.

Social Chess 11.00 until 15.00 from Sunday 28th July to Friday August 2nd

There will be twelve boards placed surrounding the Queen Victoria statue immediately outside the City Hall. There will also be a giant chess set available. Please feel free to roll up and play at any one of these tables (reserved Tuesday and Thursday from 12.00 to 14.00 for a local junior tournament).
In addition, you will be able to play at two cafes in Queen Victoria Square, only a few metres from the City Hall. Ponto’s and Café Nero have both agreed to allow four of their outside tables to be used for chess playing and will be set with boards and sets at the above times.

The Events

Friday 26th July

Welcome Simul with GM Danny Gormally

Venue: City Hall
Time: 18.30
Entry: £10 – numbers will be limited with registration essential.

Saturday 27th July

First Saturday Chess Masterclass with GM Danny Gormally

Venue: City Hall
Time: 18.30
How to Analyse a Chess Position – the difference between professional and amateur players

An evening to discuss Women’s Chess – past, present and future

Venue: Doubletree Hotel
Time: 20.00 – 22.00
Led by WGM Katarzyna Toma, a relaxed evening to discuss women’s chess. The evening has been sponsored by the Chess Trust and will include a buffet (drinks not included). There is no charge to attend this event, but you must pre-book as numbers are limited to 30.

Saturday Chess Variants – Chess for Fun

Venue: City Hall
Time: 19.00 – 21.00
Join Ben Vaughan at the City Hall from 19.00 on Saturday as we have some fun and play some of the interesting and enjoyable chess variants – this time playing HAND AND BRAIN chess. Join up with a friend/clubmate and decide who will be the BRAIN (stating clearly the name of a piece that should be moved) and the HAND (moving one of the pieces that they think it is). No conferring is allowed, aside from the piece name! This is just for fun and none of the games are rated.
£2.50p individual entry or £5 per team of two for team events.
Registration in advance via the online form or pay on the night subject to capacity.

History Walk

Departs from outside City Hall
Time: 19.30 – closing
An intoxicating tour (over 18s only) with local historian Mike Rymer of some of the city’s most historic sites and architecturally important public houses, including Ye Olde White Harte, Ye Olde Black Boy, The George, The Mission, and the White Hart. Ending at the historic Sailormakers Arms in Hull Old Town where you’ll be able to get yourself a well-earned pint. £2.50, and pre-booking is essential. Numbers are limited to 25.

Sunday 28th July

Chess Problem Solving

Venue: Doubletree Hotel
Time: 19.00 – 21.00
Your chance to pit your problem-solving abilities against the very best. Organised by the British Chess Problem Society. Timed problem solving over two hours, with certificates for the best players and a year’s subscription to The Problemist for the winners. No need to book, no entry fee, just turn up on the night.

Sunday Chess Variants – Chess for Fun

Venue: City Hall
Time: 19.00 – 21.00
Join Ben Vaughan again at the City Hall from 19.00 on Sunday as we have some fun and play some of the interesting and enjoyable chess variants – this time playing BUGHOUSE chess. Once again, join up with a friend or clubmate and play one of the more chaotic and fun variants, where your captured pieces can be used on your teammate’s board! This is just for fun and none of the games are rated. £2.50p individual entry or £5 per team of two for team events.
Registration in advance via the online form or pay on the day subject to capacity.

Be Afraid, Very Afraid … a Ghost Walk through the streets of Hull

Departs from outside City Hall
Time: 19.30 – 22.00
An organised evening Ghost Walk with experienced guide Mike Covell of Amazing Hull Tours – www.facebook.com/amazinghulltours. Numbers are limited to 25. £2.50, and pre-booking is essential. The walk through the scariest parts of Hull lasts for around two hours. At the end, a chance to buy a pint (not included).

Monday 29th July

Monday Simul GM Keith Arkell

18.30 at City Hall
Details available shortly …
Entry: £10 – numbers will be limited with registration essential.

An Evening of Outdoor Chess

Venue: Princes Dock Street (Princes Quay waterside)
Time: 19.30 – 22.00
A five-minute walk from the City Hall (ten minutes from the Doubletree) alongside the water, Princes Quay is the venue for an evening of outdoor chess. There will be an opportunity to buy food and drink. Chess sets from 19.30. You do not have to pre-book for this event, just turn up. Directions here

Tuesday 30th July

No events tonight due to the Blitz taking place at the Doubletree Hotel, but …

Hull History Walk for Families

Departs from outside Hull City Hall
Time: 14.15 – 16.15
A walk specially for families and children looking at the history of Hull through its buildings, with experienced guide Mike Covell. Numbers are limited to 25. £2.50 and pre-booking is essential. The tour lasts for approximately two hours. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday 31st July

Wednesday Chess Masterclass with WIM Natasha Regan and NI Matt Ball

Gukesh’s Top Tactics: From Under 8 to Candidate
Venue: City Hall
Time: 18.30
Join us for an exciting and interactive session at the British Chess Championships, presented by WIM Natasha Regan and NI Matt Ball.We will explore the brilliant chess tactics of Gukesh from his early years up to being the youngest ever challenger for the World Championship. This talk is perfect for chess enthusiasts of all ages eager to sharpen their tactical skills through fun puzzles and the chance to win fantastic prizes. Don’t miss our book signing of Zwischenzug!, which will be available for purchase. Come and be inspired by the journey of a chess prodigy! No booking required, just turn up’

An Evening of Ukrainian Culture and Chess

Venue: Welcome Centre, Hull
Time: 19.30 – 22.00
Taking place at the Welcome Centre, just across the road from the Doubletree and five minutes’ walk from the City Hall. Welcome House supports asylum seekers and refugees to build and lead fulfilling lives, connected to local services, integrated with local communities, and actively contributing to society in the Hull & East Yorkshire area. You can find out more about the work of Welcome House here – https://welcomehousehull.org.uk/
There will be the opportunity to play Ukrainian GM Eldar Gasanov in a rolling simultaneous of up to 20 boards. There will be plenty of Ukrainian food specialities, some folk singing and the opportunity to chat with members of the local Ukrainian community, including local players who have settled in Hull from Ukraine.
The evening has been sponsored by the Chess Trust and is free to attend. Booking is essential. Numbers limited to 75. Directions here

Thursday 1st August

No events tonight due to the first rounds of the Blitz taking place at the Doubletree Hotel, but …

Hull History Walk for Families

Friday 2nd August

Second Friday Chess Masterclass with GM Danny Gormally

Venue: City Hall
Time: 18.30
How to Exploit your Opponent’s Mistakes
No booking required, just turn up …

History Walk

Departs from outside Hull City Hall
Time: 19.30 – closing
An intoxicating tour (over 18s only) with local historian Mike Rymer of some of the city’s most historic sites and architecturally important public houses, including Ye Olde White Harte, Ye Olde Black Boy, The George, The Mission, and the White Hart. Ending at the historic Sailormakers Arms in Hull Old Town where you’ll be able to get yourself a well-earned pint. £2.50 and pre-booking is essential. Numbers are limited to 25.

Children’s Pizza Making

Venue: Ask Restaurant
Time: 10.30
Juniors! Make your own pizza down at Ask Italian Restaurant – you get to make it, eat it and wash it down with ice cream, and free cordial is available for all children! A maximum of twenty places, so booking is essential. This event is FREE of charge for children, but accompanying adults must pay for their own refreshments and food. Directions here

Championships Quiz Night

Venue: Holiday Inn Express
Time: 20.00
Join your quizmaster Kevin Staveley in a general knowledge team quiz night. Teams of up to four (organise your own teams) plus any juniors you’d like to bring along. Bring your own food, fully licensed bar. No charge for the quiz, simply turn up on the night (don’t be late!) and all will be explained to you. There will be small prizes for the winners.

Saturday 3rd August

Congress Meal

Venue: Ask Restaurant
Time: 19.45
A five-minute walk from the congress venue is Ask Italian restaurant. There is a specially arranged two (£17.50) or three (£23.50) course meal – you can see the menu here. Just pay for your drinks on the night. Prompt start at 19.45, although you can arrive earlier and get a drink at the bar. Numbers are limited to 50. Pre-booking is essential no later than 12.00 Monday 29th July. You will need to pre-order and send this to Stephen Greep at sjgreep@gmail.com by 29th July please. Special requirements (e.g. gluten free) catered for, but must be requested in advance. Simply pay for any extra drinks on the night. Directions here