The weekend was one for the books, as I had the privilege of attending and sponsoring the British Beard and Moustache Championships in Plymouth. For anyone in the bearding community, this is one of the standout events of the year, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

A Superb Event
From start to finish, the event was brilliantly organised, making it a seamless experience for both competitors and spectators alike. A huge round of applause is in order for the crew who put this together. Running an event of this scale takes a tremendous amount of work, and the dedication and passion of the organisers were evident in every detail. From managing multiple categories to keeping the energy high throughout the day, they pulled it off superbly.

But the weekend wasn’t just about the main event – it kicked off with an incredible pre-party, which we at RUNESILK had the pleasure of sponsoring. Held at Twist, a charming board game venue, the pre-party was a fantastic way to get things started. The atmosphere was perfect – friendly faces, excellent food, and a selection of craft beers that kept the conversations flowing. It was the ideal setting to connect with fellow beard enthusiasts and enjoy some downtime before the competition kicked into full gear.

Beards, Moustaches, and Facial Statements
The level of talent at this year’s competition was staggering. Whether you’re into styled moustaches, partial beards, or full-on wizard-worthy beards, there was something to admire in every corner of the room. Each competitor brought their own flair, showcasing facial hair that had been meticulously groomed, styled, and maintained.

I have to give a special mention to those who walked away with trophies. The beards and moustaches on display were truly impressive, with every winner making a bold statement. These competitions are more than just about growing facial hair; they’re about creativity, expression, and passion. Every win was well-deserved, and I salute those who stood on the podium. You all rocked some incredible styles!

A Last-Minute Entry (and a Trophy!)
While I’d originally planned to attend just to soak in the atmosphere and cheer on my fellow competitors, the thrill of the event inspired me to make a last-minute decision to enter. To my surprise, not only did I compete, but I also walked away with something to add to the trophy shelf! It was an unexpected but incredibly rewarding way to cap off the weekend. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being recognised for something that you’ve dedicated so much time and effort to.

Reflecting on the Bearding Community
The British Beard and Moustache Championships are about more than just the competition. It’s about celebrating the bearding community and the artistry involved in maintaining and styling facial hair. Events like these foster a strong sense of camaraderie, and it's always an honour to be a part of it.

As I reflect on the weekend, I feel immense gratitude for everyone involved – from the organisers and sponsors to the competitors and spectators. Being a part of this community means so much to me, not only as a competitor but also as a sponsor through RUNESILK.

Supporting events like this helps strengthen the bearding world, and I’m proud to contribute to that.

For those who didn’t make it to Plymouth this year, you missed out on an extraordinary event. But fear not – there are always more competitions on the horizon. I encourage anyone interested in bearding culture, whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting out, to get involved. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals, challenge yourself, and have a great time.

Looking Ahead
As the year winds down, I’m already looking forward to the next set of events. Whether it’s competing, sponsoring, or simply cheering on friends, the bearding world is one I’m proud to be part of. With a new trophy on the shelf and fresh memories from Plymouth, the fire to compete and stay involved burns brighter than ever.

Until the next competition – stay bearded and keep making those facial statements!