Winner of Mr Brighton Bear 2020 announced!

Great fun was had by all in the Mr Brighton Bear 2020 Live Final on Saturday, June 20.

The evening came to a resounding climax, with the announcement that Shoreham-based publican Gavin Bennett-Mason won the cherished title and snatched the sash, £100 cash and a self-portrait courtesy of Fraser Dickson from Little Big Men Drawings.

Rhykar Bauer, a charming BBW fan from Maryland, USA, was declared runner up.

A packed online presentation featured dazzling performances by Candi Rell, Drag With No Name and Dave the Bear. We also heard from the winner of the 2019 inaugural crown Taylor Leigh, who was delighted to hear he retains his title in perpetuity.

Special appearances were made by Chris Gull, Chair of the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which benefits from funds raised by BBW activities, in addition to Tom Bald, who once again designed and produced the classic Mr Brighton Bear crown and sash.

Graham Munday, Chair of BBW, said ‘Congratulations to Gavin for winning and Rhykar for being named runner-up, but also congratulations to the other two finalists, Gavin (S) and Jon. Everyone was a worthy contestant.

‘A huge thanks again to our entertainers Candi Rell, Drag With No Name and Dave the Bear for supporting the evening. Last but not least, the BBW team is incredibly grateful to everyone who voted and supported the competition.’ 

BBW have said donations are still being received, benefiting the Brighton Rainbow Fund here or visit Gofundme page

Oh, one more thing – the BBW guys have said hang on to your face masks. There’ll be some Halloween and Christmas fun on the way and they’ll also be back in 2021 with a massive list of events to make up for lost time.

For more information, contact Graham Munday: graham@brightonbearweekend.com

The Brighton Rainbow Fund give grants to local LGBTQ+/HIV groups who deliver effective frontline services to LGBTQ+ people in the city. More info.  

For more info on BBW.

For more info on Little Big Men Drawings, click here.