BeardOn 2023 and The World Beard and Moustache Championships
This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend BeardOn23, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The bustling crowd, the anticipation in the air, and the sight of so many magnificent beards and moustaches made the atmosphere electrifying.
Held at The Post Mill Centre in Alfreton, BeardOn is an annual extravaganza celebrating the art and beauty of facial hair. Organised by the esteemed Central Beardsmen, this event is a mecca for beard enthusiasts and cultivators. Seeing many familiar faces, sharing stories, and discussing beard care tips was the highlight of my weekend. And if that wasn't exciting enough, there was more in store for me.
Seeing the strong camaraderie and unity among various beard clubs was lovely. These enthusiasts didn't just gather for the love of facial hair and rallied behind an essential cause - supporting Orchid: Fighting Male Cancer. Every penny raised during the event bolstered the charity's mission, illustrating the beard community's dedication to giving back.
After the opening announcements, the atmosphere shifted to a more solemn tone as we took a moment to celebrate the life and achievements of the late David Dade. A thunderous applause reverberated throughout the room, with everyone uniting in a heartfelt tribute to honour his legacy.
The competition itself showcased a fantastic range of talent across numerous categories. From impeccably styled moustaches to audacious freestyle designs, participants displayed their artistry and passion. But it wasn't just the grown-ups taking the spotlight. The younger generation, too, had their moment with the kids' creative category, exhibiting their flair and imagination. The ladies weren't left behind either, showcasing their creativity in their dedicated category.
Yours truly managed to clinch the second-place award in the "Natural Under 8" Beard category! Adding this accolade to my trophy shelf was undoubtedly a cherry on top, and it's a moment I'll cherish for a long time. I've been wanting one of these awesome trophies for a while now!
LEGENDS
The highlight of the evening? Apart from receiving my award, and seeing the coveted 'Best in Show' title was bestowed upon a truly stunning entry from the ladies' creative category, reinforcing the fact that when it comes to creativity and craftsmanship, boundaries simply don't exist. But beats seeing these two legends looking as spectacular as ever!
I still want those fish and chips John Connor!
I'm thrilled to share that my company, RUNESILK, had the honour of sponsoring the "Partial Beard" category at BeardOn23. It's always been our goal at RUNESILK to champion the beauty and diversity of facial hair, and what better way to do it than supporting a category at a truly awesome event? The fierce competition showcased an array of creative and well-groomed partial beards. Ultimately, it was a well-deserved full-house win for the whalers. Congratulations to all participants, and a big shoutout to the whaler winner for truly embodying the spirit of the competition!
Big Shout to Luke!
With just one week in advance of BeardOn23, I convinced Luke to attend and enter his first Beard Competition. He took 2 awards home! Yes!!!
But that's not all! Amidst all the thrill of the competition, we received some exciting news. The World Championships for beards and moustaches is making its grand return to the UK in 2027. And the chosen location? The vibrant town of Blackpool. Now, that's a significant event to mark on the calendar.
To all my fellow beard enthusiasts who might be on the fence about entering such competitions or think their beards aren't competition-ready yet: take this as your sign! With four years to go, there is plenty of time to let those beards flourish. Embrace the journey and let it grow!
We look forward to the many more events and memories the world of beard competitions has in store. Until then, keep those beards groomed, and see you in Blackpool 2027!
Keep a lookout for upcoming beard competitions on the horizon. The British Beard and Moustache Championships is set to unfold in Plymouth in 2024. The next World Championships will take place in Pennsylvania in 2025. And that's not all — several more exhilarating UK dates are awaiting announcement. Stay tuned!
BeardOn24 is set to take place on the 15th June 2024.
You can keep track of announced events here: https://thebeardcalendar.com/