Maisie Stewart , Mayor of South Tyneside officially Launched the 1st Chesstival on the 28th of March 1996 . The Month long event began at Mortimer Road School and featured a 25 person Simultaneous Chess Match featuring Chess Grand Master Bogden Lalic . The Event was organised by Albyn Snowden , aided by Charlie Storey . Albyn at that time was Headmaster of the School and was keen to encourage chess and make the school a Centre of Excellence for Chess .
If anyone has photographs of the day please contact the club.