30th June
Contact BLF Organiser Keith Flett @keithbeard.bsky.social
National Beard Week ran from 23rd-28th June. Campaigners called for an end to clean shaven tyranny at the top of the BBC as a theme for the week
From the first Director General Sir John Reith (1927-28) to the current DG Tim Davie (2020-) only one DG Sir Mark Thompson (2004-12) has ever had any facial hair. In Thompson’s case he consistently failed to pass the Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western test which marks the divide between a stubble and a beard.
The campaigners say that while their focus is on beards and therefore clean shaven white men in suits, in reality the position of BBC DG has largely lacked any DEI characteristics.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, During National Beard Week we called on BBC Director General Tim Davie to throw away his razor and shaving foam and grow a beard. The end to clean shaven tyranny has to start somewhere.
National Beard Week 2025 23-28th June. The Results
Monday 23rd June: Hirsute Personality of the Year: the beard wearer who has made the positive public impact during the year. 2025 winner- Moeen Ali
Tuesday 24th June: Beard Friendly Sandwich of the Year: the sandwich that goes in the mouth not the beard. 2025 winner: Chip Butty
Wednesday 25th June: Hirsute Broadcaster of the Year: the broadcaster whose beard has had the most public impact. 2025 winner: Gary Lineker
Thursday 26th June: Pogonophobe of the Year: the most notorious beard hater of the year; 2025: Keir Starmer
Friday 27th June: Most Beard Friendly Employer. Not awarded in 2025
Saturday 28th: Beard of Summer 2025: the third of the four quarterly seasonal Awards 2025 Michael Rosen
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