The Miss England final will return to Leicester for the first time in 14 years, with the national contest taking place at Leicester Athena on 17 November 2026.
The announcement comes as Leicestershire’s own Miss England, Grace Richardson, celebrates a historic victory at the Miss World Festival in Vietnam.
Grace, from Birstall, became the first representative from England to win a Miss World fast-track event after taking the Talent Competition title at the festival’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
The performer impressed judges and an international audience with her rendition of Over the Rainbow at the Children’s Culture Centre in Nha Trang. She was one of 23 finalists selected from contestants representing countries around the world.
Grace, a graduate of Leicester College of Performing Arts, hopes to perform professionally on the West End. Her success makes the return of the Miss England final to Leicester particularly significant.
The event at Leicester Athena is expected to attract contestants, supporters and guests from across the country. It will also give local audiences the chance to see the next Miss England crowned in the city after the competition’s 14-year absence.
Miss England director Angie Beasley said Grace had been particularly keen to succeed in the talent round because performing is her passion.
“To see her go on to win the Miss World Talent Competition is so incredibly special,” she said. “We couldn’t be prouder, particularly as she has made history as the first England representative to win a fast-track award at Miss World.”
Grace’s parents, Alyson and Chris Richardson, travelled to Vietnam to support her. Her international victory follows her success in the Miss England Talent round, where her singing, acting and dancing helped establish her as a strong contender.
The 2026 final will mark a major occasion for Leicester and provide a homecoming celebration for Grace, whose performing journey began in Leicestershire.
