Visas
Players needing visas should apply by 15 October 2023. For a formal invitation contact Pam Thomas Tel: 01424 445348 Email: pae123@aol.com
Travel information
If flying to the UK it is better to choose Gatwick, as there is a direct rail link from the airport to Hastings. The journey takes around 90 minutes.
Arriving at other airports:
Heathrow or Stansted – players should travel to Charing Cross with a direct train service to Hastings.
Luton Airport Parkway – there are direct trains to London Bridge, with a connection to Hastings.
It is also possible to travel to Hastings from St. Pancras International via Ashford (where you must change). The journey to Ashford is high-speed.
From London there are direct trains to Hastings from Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge stations. A slower service operates from Victoria (via Gatwick airport).
Please note that there are no trains to Hastings on 25 and 26 December.
For all journeys by train: we strongly advise checking times, routes and fares on www.thetrainline.com
Accommodation
Players should make their own arrangements. We aim to list some hotels and guest houses on this website. For all visitors to the Congress we recommend the website www.visit1066country.com which gives information not only on Hastings but also on other nearby towns like Rye and Battle.
Important: mobile phones and electronic devices
During play, any electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, Fitbits, etc. should be left outside the playing venue or be completely switched off and placed in a bag in the playing area. The bag must not be moved at any time during the game. The devices must remain switched off until away from the tournament hall. A player whose game is in progress may not leave the playing venue at any time without the permission of an arbiter.
Refreshments
We kindly ask players to confine their refreshments at the board to tea, coffee and cold drinks.
Bookstall
Players must not visit the bookstall while their game is in progress!
Scoresheets
In all tournaments each player must hand in the top copy to the arbiter immediately the game is over.
Analysis
There will be an analysis area at players’ disposal after their games.
Smoking
Please note that under UK law smoking is banned in all inside areas of Horntye Park Sports Complex. This also includes e‐cigarettes.
John Robinson Youth Chess Trust
Hastings International Chess Congress gratefully acknowledges the support given by the John Robinson Youth Chess Trust; some assistance may be available for suitable players under 21 on 1 January 2024.