Ian McKellen shaves Michael Rosen to be named Beard of Summer 2024

Beard Liberation Front

Press release 22nd June

Contact BLF Organiser Keith Flett 07803 167266

Ian McKellen shaves Michael Rosen to be named Beard of Summer 2024

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that as part of National Beard Week, Ian McKellen has shaved Michael Rosen to be named Beard of Summer 2024

There were two rounds of voting for the coveted seasonal accolade with a final Beard Off vote

Ian McKellen and Moeen Ali won the first round of voting. The second round was won by Michael Rosen and Gareth Southgate.

In the Beard Off Final Ian McKellen shaved Michael Rosen 37% to 33%. Just under 5,000 votes were cast.

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, we are pleased that Ian McKellen’s beard survived his recent unfortunate fall, and we hope that recognition that it is the Beard of Summer 2024 will cheer him up.

Beard of Summer 2024 Shortlist

Michael Rosen, Arsenal fan and trade unionist

Michael Eavis, legend

Ian McKellen, actor

Gareth Southgate, football manager

Harry Kane, footballer

Morgan McSweeney, Labour organiser

Moeen Ali, cricketer

Giles Watling, Tory candidate, Clacton

Vote pinned @kmflett X

National Beard Week 2024

Monday 17th June: Hirsute Personality of the Year: the beard wearer who has made the positive public impact during the year. 2024 winner- Jeremy Corbyn

Tuesday 18th June: Beard Friendly Sandwich of the Year: the sandwich that goes in the mouth not the beard. 2024: Bacon or Facon

Wednesday 19th June: Hirsute Broadcaster of the Year: the broadcaster whose beard has had the most public impact. 2024 Aatif Nawaz

Thursday 20th June: Pogonophobe of the Year: the most notorious beard hater of the year; 2024 Nigel Farage

Friday 21st June: Beard Friendly Election Manifesto Liberal Democrats

Saturday 22nd June: Beard of Summer 2024: the third of the four quarterly seasonal Awards 2024 Ian McKellen