Wow, I get my own thread! Now I'm feeling a little embarassed, but far more than that, I'm still grinning from the events of yesterday...
The event was truely extraordinary, more so than I ever could have imagined. When I arrived at the venue yesterday morning I was feeling a little out of my league with all that was going on around me. So, to go from that frame of mind to finding myself on stage in the finals was really special and something I'll never forget.
A few highlights:
Yesterday morning, not long after I'd donned my outfit, realising that I was generating some interest of my own. Pretty soon, I was thinking 'this really is going to be fun...'.
The parade (and its build up) was a really great way to start the event. I was on familiar ground with this and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Watching one of the wide-moustache competitors having to turn sideways to get through the door.
The ukelele and moustache band.
Being judged by Nick Cave and Billy Childish (amongst others...). Woah!
The 'natural moustache' dog.
Joining the HBC. I guess I've been posting here for a few years now, so, about time, eh?
Discovering I'd made it through to the finals.
The competition atmosphere, which started good, but just got crazy.
And, of course, seeing and meeting all the people that, for me, have only previously been pixels on a monitor or images in THAT book. A special mention, of course, to the forum crew for making me feel so welcome. To save you another list, you know who you are!
And to balance things, a couple of lowlights...
Firstly, that friends and family weren't able to be there, too.
Pascal not making it through to the finals.
Knowing that lots of people were stuck outside the venue, unable to get in and share in what was happening.
By the end of the day, I had a very itchy neck. I'd been warned that the high collar would be uncomfortable if worn for long periods. And so it was.
Anyway, I have lots of photos (and maybe some worthwhile video - I've not checked that yet), but I'll need to sort them out before posting them somewhere.
That's all for now. Thanks for the special thread, Yuzzzz
Guy
p.s. Oh, in case you haven't checked yet, there are already some excellent photos on Flickr. Search for 'Brighton Moustache Beard' or something similar.
