Your stories

But how do you become an entrant in the Olympics of face furniture? For musician Kev, it all started with the simple gift of a book about the 2005 contest.

"It blew us [he and fellow entrant Rob] away. We didn’t even know a competition like this existed. What a strange, quirky idea to have what is effectively a beauty pageant for facial hair.

Kev waits with his fellow competitors

"The pride these men had in their beards and tashes and the imagination they showed in the designs and costumes was inspirational, so when I heard the Championships were due to take place in Brighton, my decision was made for me.

"With our band, the Thingumajigs, we have made a feature of having interesting moustaches so it was easy for me to just let it grow wild."

A brush with fame

But even having entered, Kev never thought he’d stand a chance. After all, he was just an enthusiastic amateur.

"I never thought I’d be in with a chance of getting to the final, I was there to just enjoy the day with my friends and get into the spirit of things.

Kev does his act for the judges

"I’d played my ukulele earlier on as we paraded through Brighton to entertain the crowds and that had already made my day, but little did I know there was plenty more excitement to come. I couldn’t believe it when my number was called out. We all went crazy!"

Of course, this being a world championship, there were several categories, ranging from Best Dali Moustache to Best Full Garbaldi Beard. The sheer number of fantasic furry features on display left Kev "in awe" of the other competitiors.

"There were some belters on show! There were guys from all over the world with immaculately preened facial hair and stunning costumes, ranging from Musketeers to druids to Colin the Alien wearing nothing but a silver thong and body glitter!

A natural high

Kev’s own title came in the Best Natural Moustache category, and he’s understandably proud of having the world’s third finest top-lip warmer, though he says it’s not all down to him.

"I’m still on a high. I’d like to thank all the people that sent me messages to wish me good luck and the Salford Tash Crew that accompanied me down to the competition – oh, and Black Jack Barnet for lending me his lovely purple suit!"

Organisers Sam and Tania Shires.

So has this taste of fuzzy fame given Kev the impetus to try and capture the title next time around?

"The next Championships take place in Alaska in 2009 and even though that’s a very long way to go, we had so much fun that we are all seriously tempted, plus there’s no way I can shave off an award-winning moustache, so I’ll just have to keep on growing it!"

You can see Kev’s moustache for yourself when Thingumabob and the Thingumajigs play at Night & Day on Saturday 15 September.