ChessFest is Back!

Sunday 13th July 2025

Come to Trafalgar Square for a day of fun and free chess activities.

ChessFest 2025

A Free Chess Festival in Trafalgar Square

ChessFest will return to Trafalgar Square, London on Sunday 13th July 2025, bigger and better than ever before! A record 23,300 people visited the festival last year and enjoyed a wide range of fun, family-friendly, and free chess activities. 

Many of the UK’s top chess players will be joining us for the day. Already confirmed are England’s top player, Grandmaster Nikita Vitiugov, British Champions, Grandmasters Mickey Adams, Matthew Sadler, and Chris Ward, as well as British Women's’ Champion, International Master Harriet Hunt.

On our living chess board, 32 actors will be recreating famous games of chess with commentary from MC Owen and GM Chris Ward.

Events at Chessfest 2025

  • Free chess lessons for children and adults from professional chess teachers and top UK players

  • 10 giant chess sets for people to play on

  • 100s of chess tables for children and chess fans to play with each other

  • Challenge a Chess Master at speed chess

  • Blindfold Chess exhibition

  • Giant speed chess display. Watch two masters battle it out in a test of speed and strength.

  •  A truly giant screen (12 x 7m) broadcasting all the action from the square!

  • Live link-ups and challenge matches with ChessFest Hull

Volunteer at ChessFest 2025

We are looking for volunteers to help us deliver ChessFest 2025 in Trafalgar Square. Roles include:

  • Encouraging members of the public to join the activities.

  • Providing information to visitors on the programme of events.

  • Supervising the use of the giant sets.

  • Helping set up and breakdown the event.

  • Assisting in the running of simultaneous displays

All volunteers receive a ChessFest t-shirt, refreshments throughout the day, travel expenses, and a discount on any purchases made at the Chess and Bridge stall during the day.

To find out more, please contact us here.