100 Handshakes A Chess Celebration

An informal free chess meetup to play chess in the open air at the Jonathan Penrose Chess Park (or if the weather is bad play indoors at the Mercury Theatre Cafe & Bar). Come along for a game or bring a chess friend; everyone welcome from beginner to expert. 

Each year 20 July is World Chess Day - a day recognised by the UN General Assembly. It marks the date in 1924 when the International Chess Federation (the governing body for chess worldwide) was established in Paris. So this year in Colchester we celebrate World Chess Day and 100 years of the International Chess Federation.

Chess brings people together. Before and after a game it is traditional that the players shake hands. So depending how you count handshakes we will be celebrating by playing 100 games or 50!

The UN resolution establishing World Chess Day emphasised the global popularity of chess: "a surprisingly stable 70% of the adult population has played chess at some point during their lives ... chess is an established part of modern‑day culture."

It also explained that chess is inclusive: "... helping transcend national boundaries and break down racial political and social barriers ... strengthening education and health promoting empowerment of women and girls fostering solidarity cooperation and peace."

Register your interest to be part of this unique event by email to: [email protected]

Host or Publisher ColCHESSter Chess in Colchester