Exclusive pics: The Boys of Bridgend naked calendar
The final images from the 2016 Boys of Bridgend charity naked calendar are being kept under lock and key until it goes on sale, but we’ve got your very first look at the 13 men who will make up the 2016 edition in this set of exclusive, never before seen teaser shots.
A scaffolder, a prison guard, a radio presenter and a paralegal are among this year’s Welsh men who are stripping off and baring all to raise money for the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation against bullying and homophobia, and with a new layout and design, a new charity to support and a new crop of guys thrown into the mix alongside some returning faces it’s all change at Boys of Bridgend HQ.
“The response last year was amazing,” said Russ Hughes, photographer and creator of the Boys of Bridgend. “We wanted to do something good and raise a little bit of money for a good cause and we ended up selling in 38 countries and raising thousands of pounds. We never thought it would get so big but demand was huge and people have been keen for more so we had to step up and see if we could do it again for another worthwhile cause.”
When it was announced that the boys would be supporting an LGBT cause this year their biggest financial sponsor pulled their backing for the project leaving the guys unsure how to cover the costs of printing, but undeterred, they launched a Crowdfunder campaign which saw their target met, and exceeded, within eight days.
“The fact that our old sponsor held those feelings just solidified the fact that this was a cause that still needs support. There was no way we’d change the charity or stop what we’re doing because the funding was pulled so we just had to find another way. Everyone has been totally amazing and supportive, but the LGBT community really got behind us in a big way and when we needed help with funding, the fans stepped in to help out. It’s amazing to be able to give something back by donating the money from this year’s calendar to a charity that does so much work in and for the LGBT community.”
This year’s line-up consists of brothers Ian and Steve, Andrew B, Jamie, Matthew, Dan, Rhys, Danny, James W and Robin as well as Johnathan, Andrew T and James M who are returning from the 2015 calendar. If the calendar isn’t enough of a fix, the range is expanding this year to include keyrings, art prints, mugs, posters, t-shirts and a selection of downloadable photo packs, too hot for the calendar.
Without further ado, bring on the boys…
The calendar is on sale from September 1st but can be pre-ordered now from the ONLINE STORE.
And if you want to see even more teasers from this year’s calendar you can follow the boys on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.