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.
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 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
