Bizarre event comes to Brighton

[August 2007]

Over the weekend, one of the strangest international tournaments in the world will be taking place in the seaside town of Brighton.

On September 1st, the Brighton Centre will play host to the World Beard and Moustache Championships.

Spectators who attend the event will be able to marvel at facial topiary that people from as far away as the US and Germany have spent months cultivating.

There will be 17 different beard, moustache and goatee categories - from natural to flowing and freestyle - for people to enter. Special prizes will also be awarded to the youngest entrant and the person who has travelled the farthest to compete.

This year, the event is organised by London's famous Handlebar Club and over 100 hairy people will be completing.

Tickets to the World Beard and Moustache Championships cost just £5 per person and £2.50 for those under 16.

Away from the hair-raising competition, Brighton has much to recommend it to any holidaymaker.

This is what the Lonely Planet has to say about the place: "Flush with retro boutique shops, cool bars, fabulous restaurants, art galleries and vibrant crowds, this coastal city is one of England's gems."