Is your beard the best in the South West?
Have you got the top ‘tache in town?
Find out at one of the most unusual competitions in the UK, coming to Plymouth this October.
Often described as a cross between Miss World and Crufts, the British Beard & Moustache Championships celebrates the very best in facial hair.
The event takes place every two years, at different locations around the country. For 2024 it’s organised by a Devon-based team, headed by local couple Mike and Clair Wellsbury-Nye.
“We’re looking forward to bringing national and international competitors to Plymouth, and showing them the best of the city and surrounding areas” said Plymouth-born Mike. “We’re also looking forward to showing the local community what a fun event this is, and encouraging people to get involved.”
If you’re interested in taking part, you simply buy a ticket and turn up on the day. There’s no requirement to have taken part in a previous beard and moustache competition or to be specially invited.
And for reassurance that size doesn’t matter, it’s not just ‘biggest beard wins’! There’s many different categories of beards and moustaches, including Short Beard (think ‘Action Man’) and the crazy creations of Freestyle. From waxed curly moustaches to big bushy beards, all competitors are judged against others of similar styles and sizes.
“Everyone and anyone is very welcome, as competitors or as spectators” said Clair. “There’s even ‘handmade’ categories for people without their own facial hair, including children.”
The event’s motto is ‘All Aboard!’, bringing together the themes of Plymouth’s maritime heritage, encouraging visitors to the city, and growing the beardy community around Devon and Cornwall.
“It’s a really friendly community,” Clair continued. “We promote charity fundraising, mental health, and positive male role models. It’s great for the competitors to enjoy looking and feeling their best – whether that’s wearing their favourite suit or having a bit of fun with a costume.”
But fancy dress – or even wearing a suit – really isn’t compulsory. “We just want everyone to have a good time, and help us raise plenty of money for our chosen charities, the Devon and the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trusts,” said Mike. He added “many thanks to our title sponsor, international beard care brand Honest Amish, for funding this event so that all money raised on the day and from ticket sales can be donated to those vital services”.
If you’re interested in attending, tickets must be purchased in advance. For competitors, the categories are:
Full Beard over 12″ with Styled Moustache
Full Beard over 12″ with Natural Moustache
Full Beard up to 12″ with Styled Moustache
Full Beard up to 12″ with Natural Moustache
Full Beard up to 8″ with Styled Moustache
Full Beard up to 8″ with Natural Moustache
Full Beard up to 4″ with Styled Moustache
Full Beard up to 4″ with Natural Moustache
Short Full Beard (up to 1″) with Natural Moustache
Partial Beard: Goatee
Partial Beard: Whaler/Amish
Partial Beard: Sideburns/Chops
Moustache: English Style
Moustache: Handlebar Style
Moustache: Natural
Freestyle: Full Beard
Freestyle: Partial Beard
Freestyle: Moustache
Over 16s Handmade: Realistic
Over 16s Handmade: Creative
Under 16s Handmade: Creative
To find out more and get your tickets, go to bbmchamps.co.uk
If you have any questions, please contact info@dcbmc.co.uk
