Ilkley Congress - 16-18 September 2022

[Andrew Wainwright]

Hi Simon, thank you for your enquiry. No we don't have a paper based entry model for the tournament.
All entrants are requested to please enter online at: https://www.chesscentre.online/festival

Hi Andrew.
Good to see there are already 44 entries, including a few forum members and one International Master.

Hi Simon, over 50 now and really starting to pick up some momentum. We are very confident of 150+ in our first year, as word seems to be spreading!

[Andrew Wainwright]

A great initial take up for the Ilkley Congress in September.

Any hotel suggestions or recommendations for those from outside the immediate area?

Hi Roger, I would recommend the Craiglands Best Western, The Riverside Hotel, Bistrot Pierre and The Black Hat. Most of the hotels in Ilkley are very nice so I wouldn't too much about them. These ones are all in very easy walking distance of the Station and the playing venue.

[Andrew Wainwright]

Most hotels in Ilkley are decent, but if you cannot find a place there

The other question arising is that in the relatioe absence of hotels with vacancies that weekend within walking distance, what's the position with availability and cost of car parking?

Another option is staying somewhere a couple of stops away on the train

Mick - absolutely the Leeds to Ilkley line is very convenient and regular, there are many convenient stops en-route with nice hotel options.

[Andrew Wainwright]

Most hotels in Ilkley are decent, but if you cannot find a place there

The other question arising is that in the relatioe absence of hotels with vacancies that weekend within walking distance, what's the position with availability and cost of car parking?

Hi Roger, There are several car parks in Ilkley, including the "Ilkley Car Park" which is in the centre, off Brook Street, Ilkley, LS29 8AF. This is a 2min walk from the venue.

https://www.bradford.gov.uk/transport-a ... in-ilkley/

[Andrew Wainwright]

108 Entrants and counting for the 1st Ilkley Chess Festival.

With just under 4 weeks to go, will we reach 150 players for our first year?

[Roger de Coverly]

With just under 4 weeks to go, will we reach 150 players for our first year?

They will have to be local players or be prepared to stay some distance away from the venue. As far as I can tell, all the hotels in Ilkley, or at least the ones with sensible prices, have been fully booked for weeks.

After the Bank Holiday Congresses, there's something of a dearth of forthcoming events in September.

[Andrew Wainwright]

There are numerous hotels all along the train line from Leeds to Ilkley. Leeds itself only being 30mins on the train.

Also, for those driving there are numerous hotels in and around neighbouring villages, including Skipton, Otley, Bingley and Shipley.

[Simon Rogers]

With just under 4 weeks to go, will we reach 150 players for our first year?

They will have to be local players or be prepared to stay some distance away from the venue. As far as I can tell, all the hotels in Ilkley, or at least the ones with sensible prices, have been fully booked for weeks.

After the Bank Holiday Congresses, there's something of a dearth of forthcoming events in September.

I'm not sure about that. I've listed plenty of Rapidplay events there is also the Crowborough Congress in mid September and the Northumberland Congress at the end. I'll have a look for any more.

[Ian Thompson]

After the Bank Holiday Congresses, there's something of a dearth of forthcoming events in September.

I'm not sure about that.

Whilst there are plenty of rapidplay and blitz events, I think it's a fair comment if you're looking for standard play weekend events open to anyone.

[Roger de Coverly]

I'm not sure about that. I've listed plenty of Rapidplay events there is also the Crowborough Congress in mid September and the Northumberland Congress at the end. I'll have a look for any more.

Apart from Ilkley I think the only event that isn't a rapidplay is Northumberland.

[Mick Norris]

108 Entrants and counting for the 1st Ilkley Chess Festival.

With just under 4 weeks to go, will we reach 150 players for our first year?

Very impressive start Andy with a GM, an IM and a FM in the Open

[Simon Rogers]

I'm not sure about that. I've listed plenty of Rapidplay events there is also the Crowborough Congress in mid September and the Northumberland Congress at the end. I'll have a look for any more.

Apart from Ilkley I think the only event that isn't a rapidplay is Northumberland.

Not so fast.
I've found some. Have faith, never give up.

[Simon Rogers]

I'm not sure about that. I've listed plenty of Rapidplay events there is also the Crowborough Congress in mid September and the Northumberland Congress at the end. I'll have a look for any more.

Apart from Ilkley I think the only event that isn't a rapidplay is Northumberland.

Not so fast.
I've found some. Have faith, never give up.

Apologies as I have some phone problems. I'll post some events later this evening (including a brand new senior event) after the F1 highlights at 9pm.

[Andrew Wainwright]

131 and rising. 10 days to go, how many will our first Ilkley Festival attract???

[Andrew Wainwright]

156 registered with 3 days to go until the big kick off on Friday evening.

Great numbers for our first year!

The Open and Major sections are particularly well contested.