The search is on for a woman from Boston to step forward and potentially represent Lincolnshire at the 2026 Miss England finals later this year.
Applications are now open for the Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Beauty Awards 2026, with women from across the county, including Boston and the surrounding area – being encouraged to put themselves forward.
The event will act as an official regional qualifier for Miss England, with successful contestants progressing to the national competition and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of women who have represented Lincolnshire on both national and international stages.
This year’s competition also marks 45 years since Angie Beasley, now Director of Miss England, was herself crowned Miss Lincolnshire.
Angie won the county title in 1981 at the Lincolnshire Home & Leisure Show at the Lincolnshire Showground, taking home a prize of just £25.
Now, 45 years later, she has reunited with Phil Green, who hosted that very competition in 1981. Having remained friends since first meeting through pageantry, the pair are now co-organising this year’s regional event.
The competition has been rebranded as the Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Beauty Awards, with the event also providing opportunities for men interested in entering the Mr England competition.
Organisers are particularly keen to hear from new contestants from across Lincolnshire, and that means a woman from Boston could be among those competing for the opportunity to represent the county at the Miss England finals.
“The competition has changed completely – and for the better,” said Angie.
“Back in 1981, contestants simply turned up with a swimsuit and walked across the stage while their measurements were announced. Thankfully, those days are long gone.
“Today, Miss England is about far more than appearance. Our ethos, shared with Miss World, is ‘Beauty with a Purpose’.
“Contestants are encouraged to be involved with charitable causes, take part in community projects, create ethical fashion outfits from recycled materials and produce videos promoting the places where they live.”
That could provide a future Boston contestant with the opportunity not only to compete for the Lincolnshire title, but also to showcase the town, its community and local causes to a much wider audience.
Angie added: “In 2019, we also introduced our Bare Face Top Model round, encouraging contestants to share make-up-free photographs on social media to celebrate natural beauty and self-confidence. We’re looking for inspiring ambassadors who want to make a difference.”
One contestant who has already embraced the modern competition is Mary Jennings, an Emergency Responder from Grimsby who has represented Lincolnshire at Miss England for the past two years.
Earlier this year, Mary won the national Miss Progress UK title before representing the United Kingdom at Miss Progress International in Italy.
She also won the Ethical Fashion Award at the Miss England 2025 Semi-Final after creating a dress using recycled Lincolnshire potato sacks.
Mary said: “I’ve experienced so many opportunities that I would never have had if I hadn’t entered.
“The competition has given me confidence, friendships and the chance to represent both Lincolnshire and the UK on an international stage.”
She is now encouraging other women from Lincolnshire and Yorkshire to consider entering this year’s competition.
The Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Beauty Awards will take place at the Beachcomber Entertainment Centre in Cleethorpes on Saturday, October 17, culminating in a red carpet-style catwalk final.
At least two winners will be crowned to represent Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, alongside additional awards and qualifying opportunities.
Applications are open to women and men aged 16 to 27 from across the two counties.
The eventual winner of Miss England will qualify for Miss World, providing a potential pathway from a regional competition all the way to the international stage.
Current Miss England Grace Richardson, who won her title locally in Retford last year, is currently participating in Miss World and has been awarded the title of Miss World Talent.
Angie and Phil have congratulated Grace on her achievement and are now hoping the 2026 regional search will uncover the next generation of contestants.
And with entries still open, the question locally is simple: could the next Miss Lincolnshire, and perhaps even a future Miss England, come from Boston?
Women interested in entering Miss England can apply through the official Miss England website. Those interested in Mr England can apply through the free Miss England App.
More information on the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Beauty Awards can be obtained by emailing press@missengland.info.
