Images excluding Audience image – Anfice Photography
The Miss England Grand Final is officially returning to Athena Leicester on Tuesday 17th November 2026, marking an exciting homecoming after a 14-year absence.
The decision follows the incredible success of Leicester performing arts student Grace Richardson, who captured both the prestigious Miss England Talent Award and the Miss England 2025 title in November 2025. Now preparing to represent England at the 75th Miss World in Vietnam, Grace will return to the city where her journey comes full circle as she crowns her successor.
The Athena is in the Cultural Quarter of Leicester – pictured is Grace dressed in a beautiful red showgirl costume from the Ann Oliver School of Dance
Athena has a proud place in Miss England history, having previously hosted the national final in 2006, 2007 and 2012. Since then the final has been held across England at Venues in Torquay, Southport , Birmingham , Newcastle and for the past two years Wolverhampton.
This November, Grace will hand over her crown in spectacular style. Living out her dream of becoming a West End performer, she will appear along side talented performers from the Ann Oliver School of Dance.
To celebrate the return of the Miss England Final to Leicester, a special photoshoot with Anfice Photography was organised by Angie Beasley, Director of Miss England since 2002, during the West End Day Party at the Athena. Grace, dressed as a glamorous showgirl, was warmly welcomed onto the stage by the event’s DJ and introduced Grace to the audience who wished her well in Miss World and post for a group photo !
Grace was invited on stage at the West End Day Party held recently at the Athena Leicester with Emily Olive Boyd and James Richard Turner
“Grace received a wonderful reception from everyone at the West End Day Party event, her real dream is to perform on the West End stage ,” said Angie Beasley. “She met two talented West End singers, Emily Olive Boyd and James Richard Turner at the event who wished Grace every success at the 75th Miss World in Vietnam. We are delighted to be returning to Athena after all these years.”
Grace will sing live at the Grand Final and dance alongside some of her fellow performing arts students making the evening a true celebration of talent, entertainment and Beauty with a Purpose , the ethos of the competition.
Grace said “”I couldn’t be more excited to be crowning my successor in Leicester! It means so much to bring the Miss England Grand Final back here after 14 years and to celebrate everything this incredible city has to offer. As a Musical Theatre performer who has grown up in Leicester, I’m especially proud that we’ll also be showcasing some of the amazing students from The Ann Oliver Stage School. It’s going to be a truly special night, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”.
The Miss England 2026 Grand Final promises to be a spectacular red carpet event and one not to be missed.
Booking tickets early is advisable and tickets can be purchased on this link –
VIP TABLES with reception drink and dinner is limited
https://buytickets.at/missenglandlimited/2237502
ENDS
PLEASE CREDIT ; Photo by Anfice Photography for usage
NOTE TO EDITOR
The reigning Miss England is Leicester performing arts student Grace Richardson who will be representing England at the 75th Miss World in Vietnam .
The Miss England Final will include an Ethical Fashion and Talent round with a series of qualifying rounds held in the lead up to the event including a Beauty with a Purpose fundraising competition , a make up free, sports and tourism round where national finalists will promote their homes towns and cities! The winner will go forward to the Miss World Beauty with a Purpose final in May 2027 set to be held in Tanzania .
Miss World will celebrate its 76th year in 2027 For further details please see www.missworld.com
To interview the Miss England organiser Angie Beasley or Grace Richardson please email
About the Athena
Originally designed in 1936, Athena is an art deco landmark in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter and truly the region’s most unique events venue.
For further details https://www.athenacb.co.uk/about-us/
Backstage with Emily & James wished Grace a good luck at Miss World in Vietnam this summer
