The British Beard and Moustache Championships

From our archives back in 2014, let's revisit the remarkable British Beard and Moustache Championships.

In the quaint town of Bath, Somerset, South-West England, on a fine Saturday the 13th of September, over 100 hairy contenders gathered for the annual extravaganza known as the British Beard and Moustache Championships.

The event was graciously hosted by The Handlebar Club, an esteemed society for distinguished gentlemen with voluminous upper lip adornments, established over 75 years ago in a grand London theater.

Eager participants, each paying a modest fee of £20, entered the Championships, driven by the desire for supreme boasting rights and the chance to possess a tankard featuring a splendidly sculpted mustache.

Similar to the prestigious dog show "Crufts," the competition comprised various categories tailored to the whiskered warriors.

Amongst the mustache categories were Natural, English, and Freestyle, each showcasing distinctive styles. The partial beard division included Natural Goatee, Musketeer, Freestyle, and Sideburns Freestyle.

For those flaunting full beards, the competition raged on in the Natural Full, Natural Full with Styled Moustache, and Freestyle categories, complemented by a special recognition for the finest crafted false beard.

The Bath Pavilion, renowned for hosting diverse gatherings ranging from political conferences to pop concerts, brimmed with over 500 enthusiastic spectators, reveling in this peculiar yet flamboyant display of Britishness.

In the spirit of fairness, competitors were strictly prohibited from employing extensions or hairpins, although the permissible use of wax and hairspray added a touch of style to certain contestants.

The participants seemed to relish every passing moment, many adorned in outlandish attire, perfectly befitting their extraordinary facial hair. Behind closed doors, extensive grooming and meticulous preparation preceded the grand showdown.

Beyond the accolades bestowed upon the most splendid tufts of hair, the championships aimed to foster and honor exceptional standards in the cultivation, design, and presentation of facial fuzz.

Without a doubt, a jolly good time was had by all fortunate enough to witness this peculiarly delightful event.