DATE & VENUE TBC
THE UK BOOTBLACK CONTEST 2025
THE 2025 CONTEST WILL BE HELD IN AUTUMN – VENUE AND DATE TBC
For now, please follow our new title holder Astrid on their journey during their title year HERE
Event Overview
The UK Bootblack Contest is a non-gendered event open to all skill levels. It celebrates the technical expertise, creativity, and passion of bootblacks in the UK. Whether you’re new to bootblacking or a seasoned pro, this contest offers an exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and grow within the community.
Date & Location: Autumn 2025, a weekend-long event – venue TBC
Contest Participation
The contest is open to participants of all gender identities and skill levels Aged 18+ and residing in the British Isles or Ireland.
Registration Deadline: TBC
Contestants with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact us at ukbootblackcompetition@gmail.com to discuss accommodations.
CONTESTANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED AND WILL OPEN AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2025
Judges & Tally Masters 2024
Contestants 2024
Vendors
Artworks
Contest Format
- Educational Component:
To be submitted in advance, by tbc:
- Format: A 10-15 minute teaching class/video submitted a week before the contest (submission date provided on the application form).
- Content: Contestants present a class relevant to being a bootblack titleholder. Topics may include specific bootblacking skills, stand management, communication, inclusivity, or diversity. Media formats such as PowerPoint, recorded classes, or other video-friendly options are acceptable.
The live contest will take place over 2 days of the contest weekend and will consist of the following sections:
Tech Boot:
Contestants repair or restore one boot from a provided pair during the Friday night party. Judges evaluate technical skills and decision-making.
Bootblack Speed Dating:
Contestants rotate through one-minute Q&A sessions with each judge.
Public Stand Time:
Contestants perform bootblacking services during the scheduled 10 hours of public stand time on Friday and Saturday. They must work a minimum of 5 hours stand time. Judges assess interaction, technical skills, and chair management.
Personal Interview:
A 30-minute session where judges evaluate the contestant’s knowledge, personality, and community involvement. This is done in a private interview space on Saturday morning 10am
Public Ballot:
Customers receive personalized ballot papers to vote based on their experience with contestants. Ballots are counted for each contestant and scores are averaged out over the number of customers they had – speed and number of boots is not an advantage, but quality of care is!
UK Bootblack Contest Production Team:
Producer, Alistair LeatherHiraeth: Bootblack Europe 2020, International Mr Bootblack 2022, Producer of Bootblack Europe at Darklands
Assistant Producer, Mal McDonald: Bootblack Europe 2023, Co-founder, Proteus Leather
