Big turnout expected for Northumbria Masters

IF you build it, they will come. This idea from the film “Field of Dreams” has been the philosophy behind the Northumbria Masters, which this year is expected to attract a large turnout over the Bank Holiday weekend (August 26-30), including everyone from chess enthusiasts to newcomers and Grandmasters.

The chess festival takes place at St Mary’s Catholic School in Longbenton, and has established itself over the last four years as the biggest international event in the North of England. The tournaments include a Grandmaster tournament, an International Master tournament, the Northumbria Masters Open, Challengers, Major, Minor and One-Day Junior Rapidplay – so there are competitions for players of all abilities and experience.

The Masters first took place at the Chillingham pub in Heaton, in 1996, and was revived in the same venue in 2018.

In 2018, 50 players took part. This grew to 110 players in 2019, at Novotel Newcastle Airport. In 2021, 212 players took part at the Marriott Hotel Metrocentre. And, in 2022, the capacity is being expanded again, with St

Mary’s Catholic School able to accommodate a maximum of over 250 players.

In 2019, as part of the festival’s programme, excursions were organised for players and their families to local tourist attractions – an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at Bamburgh Castle, a visit to Vindolanda Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, and a trip to Durham Castle and Cathedral.

This year, more excursions are planned, showcasing more of the region’s unique attractions – a trip to Lindisfarne Castle and

Priory on Holy Island, an underground adventure below the city in Newcastle’s Victoria Tunnels, and a special “Get Carter” tour, showing the Tyneside locations where Michael Caine’s iconic 1971 gangster film was shot.

To enter the various tournaments, it’s best to book early via https://www.northumbriamasters.com

Enquiries are also welcome by email to timpeterwall@gmail.com

This week’s puzzles are all taken from last year’s 2021 Northumbria Masters.