Devon and Cornwall Beard and Moustache Championships

The Beard and Moustache Championships returned to the Duke last month for the second year running!

From neatly-cropped handlebar ‘taches to unkempt mutton chops and everything in between, the competition celebrated the very best in facial hair. The event was founded by Plymouth couple Clair and Mike Wellsbury-Nye, after being inspired by a similar competition in Brighton in 2014.

All sizes and styles of beard and moustache were encouraged to enter and with seven categories to choose from it’s not just the biggest beard that wins! There are also categories for ladies and children’s handmade beards and spectators were also made very welcome!

The wonderful Clair, one half of the duo who organise this fantastic event, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be returning to The Duke of Cornwall for the second Devon & Cornwall Beard & Moustache Championships. The hotel is a beautiful venue, the ballroom is the perfect size for our event, and our attendees (especially those from further away) love having everything under one roof.

The team at The Duke of Cornwall are absolutely vital to the success of the event – working with them makes the whole thing so much easier! In particular, Mel the Events Manager is open to all of our ideas and a delight to hold meetings with, and Pete the Operations Manager is wholly responsible for our very popular charity real ale bar, and very pro-active with it. Overall, everyone we’ve encountered at the hotel is friendly, polite, helpful, positive and a credit to the business”.

The day time festivities were the same as last year’s event with the same categories, but this year the celebrations went on until midnight! Attendees were wowed by amazing facial hair, a cracking day out and three “really good” bands (two of which are local!) …all of this to support such a good cause – The Ambulance Trust. Clair is hoping that a longer competition will mean that they will have the time to raise more money in future years!

Mel finished by saying “We hope to continue holding the Devon & Cornwall Beard & Moustache Championships at The Duke of Cornwall for many years to come”.

For more information on the championships click here or email info@dcbmc.co.uk. You can also join them on Facebook and Twitter. Congratulations to all the winners!