Beards Of The Week
For pogonophiles the place to be last weekend was the Snorrenclub Antwerpen in the Belgian city of Antwerp. And why was that?
Well, it was hosting this year’s World Beard and Moustache Championsip, a biennial and peripatetic event. It is a serious affair with some seventeen categories for contestants to compete in. There are three main categories – best moustache, best partial beard and best full beard. Then there is the best in show, the prize for which is a magnum of champagne, which, I imagine, has to be sipped carefully but the consolation is that there will be bits to savour later.
There are rules of engagement. For example, moustache hairs can grow on but not below the upper lip and some assistance is allowed for the more elaborate designs of facial hair, like wax, hair spray, balm, and other hair cosmetics, but unnatural hair colouring, false hair, extensions and any form of hair pin or support structure are strictly verboten.
Most of the competitors seem to dress up in style to complement their facial hair designs. A good time was had by all and at least if they get tired of their look, they can shave it all off.
