MANCHESTER
5th – 7th DECEMBER 2025
VENUES INCLUDE SOCIAL REFUGE AND THE EAGLE LODGE (tbc)
Ticket details for the whole weekend events will be published shortly, but we aim to bring you socials, a fetish market and more, along the same format as last year!
Contest Overview
The UK Bootblack Contest aims to celebrate 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.
The contest is open to participants of all gender identities and skill levels Aged 18+ and residing in the British Isles or Ireland.
CONTESTANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL 23/11/2025
Registration Deadline: midnight 23/11/2025
Application Form: UK Bootblack Contest Application Form
Educational Video Component submission date: 30/11/2025
Contestants with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact us at ukbootblackcompetition@gmail.com to discuss accommodations.
Contest Format
- Educational Component:
To be submitted in advance, by midnight on 30th November.
- 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:
2. Tech Boot: Contestants repair or restore one boot from a provided pair during the Friday night party. Judges evaluate technical skills and decision-making.
3. Bootblack Speed Dating: Contestants rotate through one-minute Q&A sessions with each judge.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Public Ballot: Customers receive personalised 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
