The Miss Wales 2026 Grand Final will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at The Riverfront Theatre in Newport, bringing together 35 finalists from across the country after months of preparation, challenges and public engagements.

The competition will unfold over three days, beginning with an Empowerment Day aimed at developing confidence and personal growth among the contestants. This will be followed by a Charity Ball held in support of the Beauty With a Purpose initiative, before concluding with the live grand final, where the winner will be crowned in front of a full theater audience.

The finalists, selected from across Wales, have taken part in a series of activities designed to prepare them for the role, combining personal development with charitable work and public appearances. The winner of Miss Wales 2026 will go on to represent Wales at Miss World’s 74th edition, which will happen in 2027. 

Helena Hawke, Miss Wales 2025, will be the Welsh representative at Miss World this year, which will be held in Vietnam, from August 9th to September 5th.

Public participation will play a role in the outcome through an SMS voting system. The contestant receiving the highest number of public votes will earn a 15-point advantage on the leaderboard, while second and third place will receive 10 and five points respectively. In the event of a tie in the final results, the contestant with the higher public vote ranking will be placed ahead.

Tickets for the grand final are available through The Riverfront website. Applications have also opened for the next edition, Miss Wales 2027, as the organization continues its search for future representatives of Wales on the international stage.

For voting and tickets’ information, please visit https://misswales.co.uk/. 

Meet the Finalists: 

Emily Bennett, 19, from Pontypool, is a drama and criminology student passionate about working with children, inspired by two years with the Torfaen Play Scheme. A dedicated martial artist, she is one belt away from a Kung Fu black belt, training since age five. She supports Beauty With a Purpose and advocates for empowering and protecting women and girls. 

Ffion, 18, from Swansea, is a beauty therapist whose upbringing as a military child fostered resilience and adaptability. A former national rhythmic gymnast, she retired after a knee injury and later, at 16, was diagnosed with severe ADHD and ODD, shaping her advocacy journey. She is the founder of HyperHer, an ADHD UK Ambassador, and author of The Butterfly Brain, a children’s book promoting understanding of ADHD. 

Ellie, 21, from Anglesey, has moved to London to study fashion before boldly transitioning into a career in tech, demonstrating her belief in growth through challenge. Now a Careers Wales volunteer, she supports young people in building confidence and navigating their futures, drawing from her own journey. A lifelong creative, she began sewing and fundraising as a child and has since raised over £40,000 for charity, remaining deeply committed to community impact and empowering the next generation.

Kadie Jane is a dedicated advocate for women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, working closely with RASASC to support survivors and raise awareness across Wales. Passionate about using her platform for meaningful change, she combines her advocacy with a strong commitment to fitness, particularly climbing, which has shaped her resilience, discipline and self-belief. 

Brooke Eltringham, 20, from Cardiff, is driven by a lifelong passion for supporting both people and animals, using her platform to inspire and uplift others. An active netball captain, equestrian, and rugby advocate, she promotes confidence and challenges stereotypes, especially encouraging girls to embrace strength and resilience in sport. Committed to making a difference, she actively fundraises for important causes.

Eleri is a multi-career professional whose greatest passion lies in mental health advocacy, shaped by her own experience living with OCD and PTSD and the challenges of accessing care. As a trustee for Headucate, she works to expand mental health support for young people, while pursuing advanced degrees in business and psychology to help build a future system where care is free and accessible to all. A geography graduate and aspiring sustainability consultant in fashion, she also champions environmental responsibility.

Romilly, 22, from Risca, is on a mission to become the first autistic woman to represent Wales on the world stage, using her journey in Miss Wales to champion visibility and inclusion for neurodivergent women. Through her campaign “Room for Representation,” she delivers school workshops, hosts community events, and creates content to challenge misconceptions and promote understanding of autism. She is pursuing a career in British Sign Language and serving as an ambassador for School Shoes UK.

Ellie-Jayne, 18, from Bargoed, is dedicated to personal growth and making a positive impact, particularly through fundraising for causes close to her heart. Having studied childcare and working towards becoming a play therapist, she is driven by a passion for supporting young people. After overcoming mental health challenges and bullying, she has transformed her experiences into strengths rooted in empathy and self-awareness, and now aims to inspire other young women to embrace their individuality.

Grace, 20, from Port Talbot, is a law student at Cardiff University and an aspiring environmental barrister, recognized as an award-winning advocate for biodiversity and climate action. As a United Nations International Youth Council Ambassador and UK Project Lead, she serves on the Climate Board while inspiring global change, and is the founder of Gracefully Wild, a platform driving education and community action. Through her “Pollinator Pathways” initiative, she has helped plant over 75,000 seeds to support declining pollinators, alongside raising over £5,000 for charity. 

Layla Hamoodi, 18, from Cardiff, is a media and communications student at the University of Gloucestershire with a passion for creativity, connection, and advocacy. A vocal feminist from a young age, she found her voice through activism and social media, using her platform to raise awareness on important issues and aspiring to become a social media manager. As a young carer for her mother and a supportive figure to her three sisters, Layla’s experiences with financial hardship and housing instability have shaped her commitment to empowering women and girls, including fundraising for A Sisterhood.

Tanya Hussain, 25, from Cardiff, is a trainee solicitor specializing in family law, where she supports victims of domestic abuse in securing protection and rebuilding their independence. A proud Welsh Bangladeshi woman, she uses her platform in Miss Wales 2026 to celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for awareness through her campaign “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.” 

Laicee John, 20, from Swansea, is a final-year primary education student at Cardiff Metropolitan University, with a strong passion for inclusive, child-centered learning. Alongside her studies, she has volunteered internationally, including in Sri Lanka, and plans to continue her work in Thailand, supporting education in under-resourced communities. Through her involvement in Beauty With a Purpose and A Sisterhood, Laicee is committed to becoming a teacher and advocating for equal educational opportunities for children worldwide. 

Ellie Lewis, 27, from Crickhowell, has transformed her life through her journey with Slimming World, gaining not only weight loss but also confidence, self-love, and a renewed sense of purpose. Now passionate about inspiring others, she uses her platform to encourage women to embrace their authentic selves and believe in their own strength. Alongside her work in accountancy, Ellie enjoys exploring the outdoors with her fiancé and their dog, 

Georgia, 21, from Brecon, is soon-to-be a qualified nurse who is passionate about promoting careers in healthcare, inspired by her firsthand experience with staff shortages during her training. A dedicated advocate, she visits schools and uses her platform to encourage young women to pursue impactful professions, while also raising over £1,000 for charity and committing to running 50km monthly for Beauty With a Purpose. 

Steffany, from St Julian’s, is an aspiring lawyer aiming to become a legal officer in the British Army, driven by a belief that justice should be felt in everyday life. At university, she launched a consent awareness project and is now developing “The Confident Shift,” a platform empowering young women through guidance on confidence and boundaries. Combining advocacy with action, she is training for a marathon to support a sisterhood initiative, while her background in theatre, passion for fitness, and strong family support continue to shape her journey.

Grace Morgan, 19, from Blackwood, is an aspiring dental professional transitioning from a qualified beautician into dental nursing, where she is developing a strong foundation in care, empathy, and professionalism. Alongside her studies, she is passionate about dance, which has shaped her confidence, discipline, and resilience from a young age. 

Áine O’Kelly, 21, from Barry, is a fluent Welsh speaker who works with Platfform, supporting young people aged 11–17 through a trauma-informed approach. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 16 after years of mental health challenges, she is now a passionate advocate for greater awareness and understanding of ASD in girls and women. 

Brooke, 18, from Cwmbran, is studying science and criminology, with a strong passion for empowering young girls through dance. A volunteer student teacher at Charlotte May Academy since 2021, she credits dance with shaping her discipline, confidence, and character, and hopes to pursue a degree in musical theater. 

Tara Parker, 18, from Cardiff, is a health and social care student aspiring to become a pediatric nurse, driven by a desire to support children and their families. Alongside her studies, she has a creative passion for hairstyling, particularly braiding and wigs, which she hopes to develop into her own business. 

Gabriella, 18, from Ruthin, is a Miss Wales 2026 finalist and aspiring medical student whose passion for healthcare was shaped by her mother’s battle with breast cancer and her own volunteering in a GP surgery and care home. A confident leader and former head prefect, she is an accomplished public speaker and netball player. Passionate about equality and social justice, particularly Women’s Aid, Gabriella aims to use her platform to empower and inspire others. 

Caitlin, 17, from Cardiff, is studying animal care with the ambition of becoming a veterinarian, driven by her lifelong love for animals. Diagnosed with inattentive ADHD and dyscalculia, she is passionate about raising awareness of neurodivergence in girls, highlighting both the challenges and strengths it brings. Through her journey, Caitlin advocates for early identification and promotes fitness as a powerful tool to support focus and wellbeing. 

Jennifer, 22, from Flintshire, is a master’s student in law enforcement, inspired by her grandmother, one of the first women in Britain to join the armed services. With a bachelor’s degree in policing and hands-on experience in her field, she is driven by a strong commitment to protecting and supporting her community. Through Miss Wales, Jennifer is aligning her academic journey with advocacy, supporting initiatives such as Welsh Women’s Aid and A-Sisterhood. 

Hope, 21, from Llantwit Major, is using her personal experience with loneliness at university to raise awareness and challenge stigma through her initiative, R.I.S.E., which supports students with practical advice and weekly content on wellbeing. Passionate about creating real change, she has worked with her university and The Senedd while developing plans to expand her impact globally through her platform. 

Thirowshie Srijeyaram, 21, from Swansea, is a Business Management student whose lifelong dream is to become Miss World. Passionate about challenging colourism, she founded “Represent Her” to promote representation and empower girls, drawing from her own experiences growing up. A leader and advocate, she has held key roles in student communities, taught Bharatanatyam, and, as the inaugural A-Sisterhood Ambassador, led initiatives supporting women and children. 

Candy, 22, from Wrexham, is an electrical manufacturing engineer, and STEM Ambassador committed to increasing female representation in engineering. With a Higher National Certificate and an electrical maintenance apprenticeship, she has built a strong foundation in a traditionally male-dominated field, while volunteering extensively to mentor young people and provide STEM opportunities for girls. As an autistic woman, she advocates for inclusion and challenges outdated gender stereotypes. 

Hannah, 24, from Bridgend, is an award-winning nail technician whose passion for beauty lies in helping others feel confident and authentic. Named Nail Technician of the Year in Wales, she combines creativity with precision, while embracing Miss Wales as a personal challenge beyond her comfort zone. 

Josie Taylor, 23, from Tonypandy, is a part-time gymnastics coach, and psychology graduate who has recently completed her master’s degree at the University of Bristol and aspires to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. Fluent in Spanish and currently learning Welsh, she is passionate about mental health, inspired by her experience as a healthcare assistant, and is equally committed to promoting social mobility by supporting and mentoring students from disadvantaged backgrounds through her volunteer work.

Ellie, 20, from Ruthin, is a first-language Welsh speaker studying to become a primary school teacher, inspired by her upbringing on a farm. Passionate about sport, particularly rugby and netball, she uses her experiences to encourage young girls to embrace both strength and femininity without limitation. 

Charlotte, 21, from Rhoose, is a fourth-year psychology student aspiring to become a sports psychologist, with a focus on supporting athletes through the mental challenges of injury and recovery. Drawing from her own experiences with injury and chronic pain, she advocates for greater awareness of the psychological side of healing, promoting holistic approaches to resilience and wellbeing. 

Elise Scaccia-Waters, 19, from Aberdare, is an estate agent with a strong ambition to grow within the property industry while building her presence in the pageant and digital space. A brand ambassador for Abbott Lyon, she combines her professional goals with a passion for raising awareness around Diabetes and PMDD, inspired by her mother’s experience.

Lowri Wilkins, 23, from Pontypridd, is dedicated to advocacy, service, and personal growth, with a focus on raising awareness and understanding of autism in women. Working as a police call operator, she supports the public with empathy and professionalism, while also volunteering with the National Autistic Society to promote education and acceptance. 

Emily, 21, from Blackwood, is a final-year sport and exercise science student passionate about making sport, health, and education more accessible for young women across Wales. With a background in STEM, she is committed to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusive, relatable approaches to science and physical activity. Drawing from her own experiences with anxiety, Emily advocates for open conversations around mental wellbeing. 

Lilly Williams-Howell, 22, from Meliden, North Wales, is a Miss Wales 2026 finalist who combines ambition, compassion, and dedication through her work as a spa therapist, promoting wellbeing and confidence. A former Team GB figure skater, she developed resilience and discipline from a young age, and is now studying sports therapy to further her knowledge of health and recovery.

Rosie Wood, 22, from Newport, is a primary education student at Cardiff Metropolitan University with a strong passion for teaching and supporting children. Her experience volunteering in Tanzania deepened her belief in the transformative power of education, inspiring her to help young people reach their full potential. Alongside her studies, she stays active through dance and fitness.

Izzie, 21, from Bridgend, is dedicated to raising awareness around mental health, drawing from her personal journey through bullying, trauma, and recovery. After developing whisper dysphonia due to extreme stress and later undergoing life-changing gastric sleeve surgery, she now advocates for honesty around mental health and the emotional challenges behind weight loss.