THE glitz, glamour, and empowering spirit of pageantry took centre stage as the Grand Finals of Miss International UK at the iconic Parr Hall Theatre, right in the heart of Warrington, raising funds for women who are survivors of acid attacks.
Sixty remarkable women from across the United Kingdom competed for the opportunity of a lifetime — to represent the UK on the global stage at Miss International in Japan, one of the world’s top three beauty pageants.
Adding a special touch to the occasion, the event was organised by Holly Pirrie, a Warrington local herself.
Reflecting on the event, Holly said:“It was such a pleasure to host the Miss International UK finals once again in my hometown. Sixty incredible women competed for the title, and we have a wonderful winner, Sophie, who will represent them and the UK on the Miss International stage in Japan later this year.”
After the finalists took part in interviews, photoshoots, and their on-stage rounds, Sophie Wallace, from Glasgow, Scotland, was crowned the new Miss International UK 2025/26. It was a dream come true for Sophie, who had returned for a second attempt at the title and proved that perseverance truly pays off.
A trailblazer in every sense, Sophie is a journalist, broadcaster, PR manager, and model who has spent the past decade championing representation in the media. A former international display gymnast, she holds an Honours degree in Multimedia Journalism and made history early in her career as the youngest woman to present a flagship news programme in the UK.
Now a PR Manager at one of the country’s leading agencies, Sophie uses her platform to amplify marginalised voices. In 2023, she founded Helping Hats, a nonprofit that has already supported over 300 families affected by fuel poverty. She is also the creator of The Empower Hour, an initiative tackling the gender gap in mainstream media. Her work continues in collaboration with the global women’s organisation A-Sisterhood.
As Miss International UK, Sophie will now prepare to represent her country in Japan — all expenses paid — where she will compete alongside women from across the globe at one of the most prestigious and respected pageants in the world. She will also enjoy a visit to India with the A-Sisterhood organisation to visit the Sheroes, a group of women who are survivors of acid attacks. The Sheroes Hangout is a charity that is supported by the A-Sisterhood organisation, the partner charity for Miss International UK. The 2025 Miss International UK finalists collectively raised over £4,000 for the cause.
With the finals concluded and the crown newly placed, the journey continues: applications for Miss International UK 2026 are now open! Are you aged 18–28 and ready for your moment in the spotlight?
👉 Apply now at: https://www.internationalpageantsuk.com/enter-now/
Picture Brian Hayes Photography
