EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

We are sorry to announce that the British Jigsaw Championships 2020 have been cancelled due to the ongoing global situation. We are grateful to our sponsors, Gibsons Games, with whom we continue to work to deliver the Championships next year, and to all our friends and supporters.

Those who had already registered for this year's Gibsons British Jigsaw Champions should have received an email with further information on what to do next. If you were hoping to enter this year's Championships, you can register for next year at this year's price. You might also consider donating this year's entry price to the Newmarket Jigsaw Festival, who run this event on a voluntary basis to celebrate the art, sport and creativity of jigsaw puzzling and would be hugely grateful for your support, especially in these difficult times - just book your 'ticket' as you would usually.







The Eighth Annual British Jigsaw Championship, sponsored by Gibsons Games, is once again held in the Turner Hall, Newmarket as part of the Tenth Annual Newmarket Jigsaw Festival. Competitors from across the world aim to be the first to complete a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, the design of which is not revealed until the start of the contest.

Entrants are welcome in three categories: élite (those who would expect to complete in under 3hrs), pairs and fun. Prize money is available in each category, of £100, £100 and £50 respectively. The entry price includes the competition puzzle, which can be kept by the entrant(s), and also includes entry to the festival.

Last years results:

ELITE | Sarah Mills | 2h 4m

PAIRS | SJ Bodell & Dan Martin | 2h 28m

FUN | Geoffrey Scott | 3h 33m

Early registration is open until 31st July 2019.

Main registration is open from 1st March to 7th June 2020.





FAQs

Do I have to sign-up using EventBrite?

Yes, we are asking everyone this year to use EventBrite to help us to coordinate who is participating in the competition. Please select the ticket that corresponds to your category. If you have difficulty using this facility, please get in touch and we will be pleased to help.



Is there a minimum age requirements to enter the competition?

No, there is no minimum (or maximum!) age requirement. Families may wish to enter the fun category together. A separate competition is running in local schools leading up to the festival.



What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the competition?

There is limited parking in the municipal car park at the hall, with other car parks in the local area. Newmarket is served by a rail station with lines towards Cambridge (for London) and Ipswich, and local and national buses. National cycle route 51 passes through the town.



What can I bring into the competition?

Bottled water will be made available to competitors. Water and food (e.g. sandwiches) are allowed to be brought into the compeition, but the organisers reserve the right to refuse entry if foodstuffs are likely to cause a distraction to other competitors. Refreshments are available at the festival.

Sorting boxes will not be supplied but may be brought in and used. A cardboard base will be supplied on which to build the puzzle, or competitors may which to bring their own puzzle board.



Do I have to supply my own puzzle?

No, a new puzzle is supplied to all competitors to the same design, and can be kept after the competition.



Do I have to be a British Citizen to enter the British Jigsaw Championships?



No, we have had competitors from across Europe and from the USA in previous years, and welcome entrants from around the world. We will not ask entrants to prove their nationality for the competition.



What if I don't finish the puzzle?

The puzzle is yours to keep, and we will help you to disassemble it in order to take it home; or you may wish to transport it on its board. At the close of the festival at 4pm, we reserve the right to close the competition. Although a guideline of 3 hours is set for the elite category, we will not stop you if are not completed within this time.

Can I get my money back if I am unable to attend?

During the main registration period in 2020, we are able to offer a full refund until registration closes, less the EventBrite booking fee which is no longer refundable. A refund request can be made through the booking site if needed. After this date we are unable to offer a refund.

This year, we are also offering early registration following the 2019 Jigsaw Festival. These entries are non-refundable.

Do I need to buy a ticket to the festival as well?

No, your entry to the competition includes free entry to the festival all week.



When do I have to sign up by?

Registration closes two weeks before the event, so that we can arrange supply of the competition puzzle from our sponsors, Gibsons Puzzles. We are unable to accept entries after registration closes.

