Published: Thursday 16 September 2021
Binge-watched Queen’s Gambit and need more chess in your life? Looking for some chess tips and tricks in black and white? Or perhaps challenging a Grandmaster still needs to be checked off your bucket list?
Kensington and Chelsea Council is cutting to the chess by holding two exclusive events, as part of the Summer of Love campaign.
Avid chess fans and budding amateurs will be spoilt for choice with the ‘Grandmaster Class’ and ‘Grandmaster Challenge’ events, which will be hosted by legendary chess Grandmaster, Stuart Conquest, right in the heart of the borough at the luxurious London Marriott Hotel Kensington, on Saturday 18 September.
Originally hailing from Ilford, London, Conquest has been a prolific player in the chess circle for many years, since he first began competing at the tender age of 8.
He has travelled across the globe to compete in the sport, taking part in international tournaments, he has been a British Champion and was ranked in the world top 100.
Since 2011 has taken the role as Director of the Gibraltar International Chess Festival, and now his return to the UK this summer will see him lead these exclusive chess events.
Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Culture said:
“What a fantastic way to learn new skills?! From the Grandmaster himself! These exclusive events are not one to be missed for lovers of chess, or those who are taking their first tentative steps into the sport. They are a perfect way to bring our Summer of Love festivities to a close and I wish those lucky enough to secure some tickets an absolutely wonderful time!
Stuart Conquest, Chess Grandmaster and Former British Champion, said:
“It’s wonderful to return to the UK this summer to put on these exclusive events with the Council, and the Marriott makes for a fantastic setting! These events will be packed full of fun, and I can’t wait to share tips, tricks and memories with those who attend. Not forgetting the Grandmaster Challenge, I’ll be juggling twelve games of timed speed chess, which I can honestly say is a first for me. I look forward to meeting my worthy opponents on the chess board, may the best player win!”
At the Grandmaster Class, running in the morning from 11am to 12.30pm, those lucky enough to scoop the limited tickets will experience an audience with the Grandmaster, and an opportunity to pick up advice, tips, tricks, take part in chess puzzles as well as hear first-hand some of the personal memories experienced during his years competing in international tournaments.
In the afternoon event, from 2pm to 5pm, those who dare can try their luck and go up against the Grandmaster in the Grandmaster Challenge, where he will compete in two rounds against twelve people at once - with chess clocks - in an ultimate round of speed-chess that will be enough to make any King throw down their crown.
Don’t make a rookie mistake by missing out on these fantastic events, they are open to all, those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more and book your FREE tickets here: