ColCHESSter uses chess pieces, boards and clocks that are fit for playing rather than admiring for their aesthetics*. Unfortunately, there are no local shops selling them. They are available from specialist suppliers such as Chess and Bridge www.chess.co.uk and Chess for Schools and Clubs https://www.chess4schools.co.uk/
For popup events, such as the one pictured above, ColCHESSter has used folding boards with green and white squares:
• Plastic Weighted Gambit Chess Set, Folding Board and Drawstring Bag approx. £25
• LEAP Digital Chess Timer / Clock (KK9908) approx. £35
ColCHESSter has used a roll-up version of the above board and unweighted pieces (cheaper, and obviously lighter to carry). In addition, larger roll-up boards, have been used for clubs and meetups as they are easier to pack than folding boards and look good. One drawback is that, when rotating to get black and white changed over, the rooks are in danger! The supplier of these boards is Chaos Cards https://www.chaoscards.co.uk/
The boxes (from Chess and Bridge) hold two full sets or one set and two clocks.
The LEAP KK9908 clocks are FIDE approved, because they can be set to the multi-level time controls needed for some FIDE events. They are less than half the price of the DGT 3000 clock (which is often seen in broadcast tournaments connected to a DGT electronic chess board) or the newer DGT 2500 clock.
You can always use a mobile phone or tablet as a chess clock by downloading an app, but the chance of damage to a relatively expensive device should considered. ColCHESSter used to recommend one that also provided information on time used per move – ‘Chess Clock – Game Timer & Sta’ from Kokajin Applications. That became unavailable, however, and the ‘easy recommendation’ is now the one from chess.com
Android link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chess.clock&hl=en_U&pli=1
ColCHESSter has also started using a different LEAP clock model. The PQ9907S provides a simple time setting, with increment (or delay) if necessary. So it is not suited to games with long multi-time settings but is great for casual rapid or blitz games and it is available online for under £15.
For portability and general ‘bouncy castle’ portable fun, ColCHESSter uses a silicon board (fully foldable) and pieces. Silicon pieces can be borrowed for use at the Jonathan Penrose Chess Park (don’t bounce the rooks too far). Silicon pieces are low maintenace as there is no need for felt bases so they can be machine washed.
Demonstration boards can be used as a teaching aid and, if the right one is constructed, it can also double as a vertical-street-chess-playing set up. Here one is hosting a phone message game between two community groups. The board is itself held on by strong magnets to a ‘magnetic’ whiteboard tripod. The high quality pieces are from Braga, Portugal and bought through Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/VerticalChess.
*If you want a chess set that has novelty pieces you can try M and B Wooden Crafts and Gifts. Their Facebook page shows some examples https://www.facebook.com/mandbwoodencraftsandgifts/