The upcoming Harry Styles lookalike contest in Soho this Saturday promises to be an exciting spectacle for fans of the Grammy Award-winning artist. Set to take place at 1 p.m. in Soho Square, the event is dedicated to celebrating the pop icon and former One Direction member by bringing together his doppelgängers for a lively competition. With cash prizes up for grabs for first, second, and third-place winners who most closely resemble Styles, it’s sure to attract a crowd of enthusiastic admirers.
The decision to host the contest follows in the footsteps of recent events dedicated to other popular actors and artists, notably Timothée Chalamet and Paul Mescal. These events have showcased the passionate devotion of fans, creating a wave of celebrity lookalike contests across various cities. Last month, Chalamet’s fans organized a similar competition in New York City, where pandemonium ensued when the *Wonka* star himself made a surprise appearance to meet his doppelgängers. The unexpected cameo sent the crowd into a frenzy, necessitating police intervention to manage the large gathering. One individual was reportedly arrested, and the event’s organizers faced a $500 (£385) fine for conducting an “unpermitted costume contest.” Despite the chaos, the New York contest demonstrated the widespread appeal of these quirky, fan-driven celebrations.
The trend has only continued to grow. Fans of Irish actor Paul Mescal recently organized their own lookalike contest in Dublin’s Smithfield Square. Like the Chalamet-themed event, the Mescal gathering aimed to capture the playful spirit of celebrity fandom, with prizes advertised as “3 pints or €20” (roughly £17) for the best lookalikes. A TikTok video promoting the contest, posted by @paulmescallookalike, has already garnered significant attention, amassing over 285,000 views. The timing of the event coincides with Mescal’s appearance in the Smithfield area later in the evening for the Irish premiere of his highly anticipated film *Gladiator II*. Fans are undoubtedly hoping for a repeat of Chalamet’s surprise appearance, which would certainly add an unforgettable highlight to the day’s festivities.
As for the upcoming Harry Styles contest, it remains to be seen whether the “As It Was” singer will make a surprise appearance like Chalamet did. However, his global fan base’s fervor is unlikely to be dampened by uncertainty. Styles, who has long captivated audiences with his fashion-forward style, charismatic stage presence, and successful solo career, remains a prominent figure in both the music and fashion industries. The Soho Square contest is expected to draw a mix of dedicated fans, curious onlookers, and hopeful contestants eager to showcase their best Styles-inspired outfits, hairstyles, and mannerisms.
This latest wave of lookalike contests highlights the increasing influence of celebrity culture and how it continues to inspire playful public gatherings and community bonding moments. While celebrity impersonators have been a staple of fan conventions, costume parties, and talent shows for years, these recent contests have brought the concept into new territory by turning public squares into stages for enthusiastic displays of fandom.
The broader impact of these events goes beyond mere fanfare; they speak to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the celebrities they celebrate. From Chalamet’s swooning admirers to Mescal’s Dublin gathering, each event underscores how deeply these public figures resonate with audiences. Harry Styles, who has won accolades as a musician, actor, and fashion icon, is a fitting subject for the next chapter in this trend. The Soho contest offers a unique opportunity for fans to connect over their shared admiration, and perhaps, for one lucky winner to emerge as the most convincing Styles doppelgänger of all.
Whether or not the real Harry Styles makes an appearance, Saturday’s event will surely capture the attention and imagination of fans worldwide. As Styles’ lookalikes gather in Soho Square, the atmosphere will likely be filled with excitement, camaraderie, and plenty of “Watermelon Sugar” vibes. It remains to be seen if this event will match the spectacle of its Chalamet and Mescal counterparts, but one thing is certain—fans will revel in the celebration of a star who continues to redefine what it means to be a global icon.