World Beard & Moustache Championships
Posted by Jill Bowen on Fri 10th August 2007 at 03:09 AM, Filed in September
Do you like your men clean-shaven? Or does a little bit of designer stubble turn you on? Whatever your predilection you can’t fail to be intrigued by the biennial World Beard and Moustache Championship. These hirsute men have made facial hair into an art form.
2007’s event will be held in Brighton (Sussex UK) on September 1st. You’ve left it a bit late to enter this year’s competition, but you might gain inspiration for the next championship if you go along to view these ‘works of art’.
The objectives of the event are:
• To promote a good relationship between members of moustache and beard clubs throughout the world and to foster networks in the interests of friendship, conviviality and fun.
• To encourage, and celebrate standards of excellence in the growth, design and presentation of facial hair
• To raise the profile of beard and moustache clubs in order to attract new member and to bring to the general public a topic of interest and fun – plus make people smile.
• To cover the costs of hosting the championship and raise money for selected charity organisations such as The Rockinghorse appeal and TacheBack.
Many people have hobbies and interests, which, to others can seem a little strange. I’ve never understood the somewhat solitary allure of collecting stamps, thimbles or matchboxes; I’ve never understood train, or plain spotting – but each to their own. It’s always better to do something than nothing!
At least the ‘art’ of exhibiting beards and moustaches is a convivial pastime, (although the actual growing is lonely!) Providing amusement for the onlookers and, for the participants, a way of standing out from the crowd.
If you wish to attend, supporters of the contest and general spectators may book in advance from the Brighton Centre. Early booking is recommended, as there is always great demand for tickets. The cost is £5 per person; £2.50 for children under 16, £10 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children under 16)
What do you get for your money? Not only providing the opportunity to visit the vibrant seaside town of Brighton you will see hirsute faces the likes of which defy belief.
The rules for entering are strict; false hair, hair extensions, unnatural hair colouring and any form of hairpins are strictly forbidden. But wax, hair spray and other hair cosmetics are allowed!
Categories;
I will whet your appetite by describing in detail a few in each category. For full details - plus drawings depicting every style go to the World Beard and Moustache Championship 2007.
Moustaches
This is the word for facial hair on the upper lip. At contests it is agreed that moustache hairs can start growing from up to a maximum of 1.5 cm beyond the end of the upper lip.
Natural Moustache: Moustache may be styled, but without aids. The hairs are allowed to start growing from up to a maximum of 1.5 cm beyond the end of the upper lip.
English Moustache: must be slender, beginning from the middle of the upper lip with the hairs extremely long and pulled up to the side. The tips may be lifted slightly. The hairs are only allowed to start growing up to the end of the upper lip. Aids are allowed.
Dali Moustache: Slender, with long tips, straight up or arching up. The hairs are only allowed to start growing up to the end of the upper lip. Aids are allowed.
Others: Hungarian, Freestyle Moustache
Beard Categories
Partial Beards: any facial hair that is not a full beard or a moustache
Chinese Beards: Chin shaved with moustache allowed to start to grow up to a maximum of 2 cm beyond and below the end of the upper lip. Tips long and pulled down, aids are allowed.
Imperial Beards: Hair to be grown only on cheeks and upper lip, moustache integrated. The ends must point upwards and not be curled over. Aids are allowed.
Others: Natural, Imperial, Goatee
Full Beards
A full beard means facial hairs on upper and lower lip, on chin and on sideburns, without any natural or shaved gap.
Verdi: Short, length not to exceed 10cm and round, moustache must be styled. Aids are allowed.
Garibaldi: Broad, full and round, length not to exceed 20cm, moustache integrated. Aids are not allowed.
Others: Natural full beard, Natural full beard with styled moustache, Full beard Freestyle
I, in my ignorance, thought a beard was just a beard, and a moustache just a moustache – how wrong can you be!!
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