Have you spotted the giant wooden chess pieces around Newmarket? These sculptures tell the story of our town through art, horseracing heritage and designs inspired by the local community.
Now, the Newmarket Chess Sculpture Trail has been shortlisted for Tourism Event/Festival of the Year at the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards, and we need your support. Public voting is open until midnight on Sunday 25 October 2026. If you’ve enjoyed exploring the trail, please help us bring the award home to Newmarket.
Eight Pieces, One Town’s Story
Created by Neith Art & Sculpture and commissioned by Discover Newmarket, Newmarket Town Council and Love Newmarket, the trail features eight carved wooden sculptures across the town. A King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook and three Pawns each offer a different connection to the home of horseracing.
The sculptures draw on Newmarket’s architecture, racing traditions and community stories. Carved from UK-grown Larch and Douglas Fir, their scorched and stained surfaces give each piece a distinctive character, with details that reward a closer look.
Look Closer and Discover More
Each chess piece has its own story. The King celebrates Newmarket’s place at the heart of racing, while the Queen represents the protection of its heritage. The Bishop honours the trainer’s strategy, the Knight celebrates racing bloodlines, and the Rook reflects the yards and training grounds that support the sport.
The three Pawns bring local voices into the trail, with designs contributed by the community. Together, the pieces celebrate the people, places and traditions that make Newmarket special.
Exploring the trail is also a chance to get creative. Download the map and worksheet, find all eight sculptures and try deciphering their mottos and carved symbols. You can even design your own symbols and motto inspired by your connection to Newmarket. QR codes on the sculptures link to the interpretation guide, helping you uncover the stories as you go.
Download the trail map and discover the stories behind the pieces.
Help Newmarket Make the Winning Move
Whether you’ve followed the whole trail or stopped to admire a sculpture on your walk through town, we’d love your support.
Being shortlisted recognises a project shaped by artists, local partners and our community. Your vote is a chance to celebrate that work and help more people discover Newmarket.
Vote for Newmarket Chess Sculpture Trail in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year category before midnight on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Vote for Newmarket Chess Sculpture Trail here.
Enjoyed the trail? Share the voting link with friends and family and help us spread the word.