London

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 

[email protected] 

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

Miss England 2025 Third Runner-Up Phoebe Michaelides is stepping into an exciting new role as organiser of the upcoming Miss London England competition.

Following an exceptional year representing the Miss England platform, Phoebe is now turning her attention towards discovering and mentoring the next generation of young women hoping to follow in her footsteps.

Phoebe made a significant impression during the Miss England final after winning the prestigious Explore the Nation Award for her cinematic and psychologically inspired film celebrating London, before placing fourth overall nationally from thousands of entrants.

Phoebe also previously held the title of Miss Cosmo England, representing England internationally in Vietnam and gaining valuable experience on the global stage.

Her journey through pageantry has also attracted wider media attention, including coverage in Business Insider exploring her perspective on confidence, identity and modern pageant culture. Alongside her creative work, Phoebe is now pursuing further academic training in psychology and psychotherapy, reflecting her growing interest in the emotional development and empowerment of young women.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of organising Miss London England and creating an experience that feels inspiring, ambitious and genuinely empowering for young women,” said Phoebe.

The upcoming Miss London England competition will search for confident, ambitious and inspiring young women to represent London at the national Miss England final.

Entries are now officially open, with organisers encouraging young women aged 16–27 who hold a British passport and live in England to apply via the official Miss England website.

The Miss England competition continues to champion the long-standing Beauty with a Purpose ethos associated with Miss World, encouraging contestants to use their platform to make a positive difference while gaining confidence, opportunities and life-changing experiences.

Phoebe is currently seeking venue partners and sponsors for the 2026 competition. Interested parties are invited to get in touch regarding collaboration opportunities.

Apply now at:
Miss England Official Website

The Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, rolled out the red carpet this Bank Holiday weekend as it welcomed reigning Miss England, Grace Richardson, for a special guest stay at its iconic seafront location overlooking the English Channel.

The hotel rolled out the red carpet for Grace Richardson the reigning Miss England

The beautiful suite where Grace and her guest stayed overlooking the sea

Grace, a 21-year-old performing arts student and environmental advocate, enjoyed a well-earned spa break at the seafront hotel, experiencing its renowned hospitality, wellness facilities, and culinary offerings.

Grace couldnt resist a selfie in the gym at the Dover Marina hotel – shes currently training for the Miss World Sportsround

During her stay, Grace enjoyed a range of wellness experiences, from relaxing spa treatments and time in the hotel’s fitness facilities to a bespoke hair treatment at the on-site Vogue Hair & Beauty, before dining at Mr White’s English Chophouse alongside her guest.

Grace enjoyed the luxury Hotels Spa facilities

The highlight of the weekend saw Grace take to the spotlight, delivering a special live performance for guests during Saturday evening dinner.

Speaking about her stay, Grace shared:
“The break was just what I needed ,its been a busy time recently for me juggling my performing arts studies with the role of Miss England , now I feel refreshed and ready to go.”

Grace was invited to sing at dinner for guests at the Dover Marina hotel during her stay

Grace added:
“I loved the experience and the hospitality. I stayed in a beautiful room with a balcony overlooking the sea and all the facilities within the hotel– it was truly stunning. I hope to come back one day soon.”

Grace documented moments from her visit on social media, sharing highlights with her growing audience and the official Miss England platforms, giving followers a glimpse into the hotel’s luxurious setting and vibrant atmosphere.

The visit comes at an exciting time for Grace, who is preparing to represent England at the 75th Anniversary of Miss World, taking place in Vietnam from 9th August to 5th September 2026. The international competition will see contestants from across the globe compete in a series of challenges including the prestigious Talent and Sports rounds, alongside the organisation’s renowned Beauty with a Purpose initiatives.

The beautiful restaurant at the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Grace enjoying the hotels facilities with Mr. Kanagaratnam Rajaseelan Managing Director the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Grace’s stay at Dover Marina Hotel & Spa reflects the continued collaboration between Miss England and leading UK hospitality venues, showcasing the very best of British destinations ahead of her journey to the global stage, with Dover’s seafront setting offering a distinctive backdrop to the experience.

For more information about the hotel click the logo or visit

For media enquiries, collaborations or partnership opportunities, please contact:

[email protected]
www.missengland.info