The festival of facial hair returns to Torbay

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Saturday, June 22, 2019 - 10:19am

 The World Beard and Moustache Championships was held in Antwerp, Belgium in May this year, but you don’t have to travel far to see some world-class face fuzz!

August 10 will see the return of South West Beard Club’s very own competition, at the Lucky 7 Club in Paignton, Devon.

The event will feature some of the finest facial hair from around the UK and further afield, from twirled moustaches, to neatly clipped beards, to the wild freestyle competitors, where anything goes! There are even handmade categories, so those who aren’t blessed with great facial hair can join in the fun.

What’s more, every artfully styled whisker will raise money for the Lions Barber Collective, a charity set up to raise awareness of the number of men who take their own lives each year.

The South West Beard Club ran its inaugural competition last year to great success, and this year they return for an event that promises to be even bigger and better! “We’re a really welcoming community,” said Terry Short, President of the South West Beard Club.

“However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for a little friendly competition! Last year we had British, and even World champions grace our stage, so come along and see how your facial hair stacks up against the best.”

But don’t worry if your beard isn’t the biggest, or you’re not a fan of fancy styling. Competitors will line up across ten different categories that cover every conceivable style of face fuzz; moustaches, partial beards, and full beards, both styled and natural, plus handmade categories for ladies and children.

Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Lions Barber Collective, a charity founded by star barber, Tom Chapman. Suicide is the number one killer of young men in the UK, and the charity seeks to raise awareness of the issue, and help barbers get involved in their BarberTalk scheme.

“As Barbers we have a unique relationship, and often a friendship with our clients,” said Tom.

“This creates a lot of trust between the barber and the person in the chair, allowing many people to open up and discuss subjects they wouldn't talk to friends or family about. We don't want barbers to become councillors, but we would love to use that trust to make a difference, and to help direct people to the help that they need.”

The Lucky 7 Club is a hidden jewel in in the heart of Paignton, offering more burlesque, cabaret and entertainment than you can shake a stick (or a tail feather) at!

Sarah Bell, who runs the club, said: “The event last year was fantastic. We had so much fun, and I certainly won’t complain about having another room full of fabulously hairy chaps!”

If you’re the proud owner of an award-winning beard, if you know someone that is, or even if you’re just looking for a day out that’s different from the norm, then book your tickets for the South West Beard and Moustache Competition, and help us to raise money for the Lions Barber Collective!

More information is available from our fb page www.facebook.com/southwestbeardclubuk
 and tickets can be purchased from www.thelucky7club.com

“Come & see the hirsute”

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