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Miss England Returns to Leicester's Athena

Miss England Grace Richardson in red sequined costume and feathered headpiece poses outside a building; HHM Hollywood Hills Magazine cover text visible.

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.


Smiling Grace Richardson in red sequined carnival costume and feathered headdress poses with arms raised before a lit window backdrop.

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 alongside talented performers from the Ann Oliver School of Dance.


Smiling Miss England Grace Richardson in red feathered costume poses with two people indoors against a plain white wall.

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 !


Smiling Miss England Grace Richardson Winner in red gown and feathered headdress onstage with two people, crowd cheering under colorful lights.

"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 Richardson in a red feathered showgirl costume holds a glass beside a Cinzano poster in a bright lounge.

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.".


Grace Richardson in red sequined carnival costume and feather headdress smiles, holding a champagne flute beside a Cinzano poster.

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


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