Over the past year, Bangalow Chess has built what has become Australia’s only multi-venue weekly chess league, based right here in the Northern Rivers.
Every week, people gather across three pubs to play chess in spaces better known for live music, beers, pool tables and pinball machines than tournament halls. One of those venues is The Rails in Byron Bay, where live music plays every night of the week.
Organiser Evan Manttari says, ‘Watching people play competitive chess while a band is performing a few metres away is a strange combination, but somehow it works.
‘It’s become less about chess and more about creating a community where complete strangers sit down together and leave as mates.’
What started as a single weekly chess night has now grown into a community spanning Bangalow, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.
Each week sees musicians, tradies, backpackers, retirees, students, hospitality workers and complete beginners sharing tables and playing chess inside local pubs across the region.
Genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world
‘The Northern Rivers has always had a strong sense of community, and I think that’s a big reason this has grown the way it has,’ said Evan.
‘It has become much more than a chess competition. It’s about giving people a reason to leave the house, meet new people and become part of something bigger than themselves.’
If the combination of live music, chess and pubs sounds like your kind of thing, you can find out more about Bangalow Chess via their website, or Instagram.
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