Hairy good fun at the Beard and Stache Comp

IT’S time for Ballarat’s bearded to cultivate their facial fuzz ahead of this year’s Beard and Stache Competition.

Set for Saturday 23 May, the comp is more special than usual as it marks the 10th anniversary for the furry feature that’s run by The Ballarat Beard and Moustache Union (BBMU) in conjunction with Ballarat Heritage Weekend.

Staged at Hop Temple, the event is free to be part of with spectators welcomed.

“We’re calling all beards, ‘staches, goatees and creative freestyles. This is your moment,” a BBMU spokesman said.

“The 10th annual Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition is set to be our biggest yet with six hairy categories and $1000-plus in prizes.”

The BBMU describes itself as “an organisation comprised of facial hair enthusiasts dedicated to supporting charitable causes while providing guidance, camaraderie, and counsel to anyone keen to cultivate a beard”.

“Regardless of whether you are new to the practice, have been doing it for years, or simply have an admiration for facial hair, the BBMU supports all stages of your beard and moustache journey,” a BBMU spokesman said.

“There is a category to suit everyone; Full Beard 20 centimetres to infinity, Full Beard 10 to 20 centimetres, Moustache, Partial Beard, Verdi under 10 centimetres, and for those not competing there’s a Just for Fun category for freestylers or even fake beards, that includes the ladies too.”

If all that isn’t sufficiently hirsute for you, the Hop Temple is also hosting its annual Dog Beard and Stache competition the following day, Sunday 24 May.

The canine comp gets going at 2pm with two categories on offer – Best Dog Beard and/or Stache and Best Dressed Doggo.