The Burlington Hotel doors opened to a 250-strong crowd of friends, family, and local companies all gearing up to support the competition. With 34 ladies, the nerves were high as they took the catwalk in Beyond Beauty T-shirts, Sportswear, Fashionwear, Eco-wear and the all important evening wear. The packed room was alight with clapping and cheering, and the positivity made the show an almighty success.

With the Top 12 announced and questions on stage, the new Miss Birmingham was chosen and the show reached its glittering conclusion. Maria Gardner, 22, a full time model and charity ambassador for the city, raising funds for the Miss World Charity Beauty With a Purpose, took the prestigious title. After winning points in preliminary rounds of sports, charity, voting and modelesque, Maria went on to impress the judges, winning Miss Modelesque Birmingham, sponsored by Love It Studios, on the evening and won the coveted place as Miss Birmingham.

Rachael Butler, Head Judge and Miss United Kingdom 1996 said “Maria really stood out on stage, she had excellent poise and posture, as well as positivity that shone on the evening. She has worked hard at every round and I know she will be a great ambassador to Birmingham, and represent us incredibly well at the Miss England Finals.”

Due to the success and the hard work the finalists achieved throughout the competition, the Miss England Organisation has offered firstst and second runners-up a place in the Miss England semi-finals in June to fight for another place in the finals. Miss Birmingham firstst runner-up is Abigail Cutler, an international dancer and sister to former Miss Birmingham 2011, won the title Miss Beyond Beauty Birmingham, the headline sponsor award of the evening. Miss Birmingham second runner-up is Charlotte Hill from Bloxwich, who won the title Miss Sportswoman Birmingham sponsored by Fitness First in Stirchley.

Maria, Miss Birmingham 2016-17 says “I’m literally still in shock, I was so happy to be chosen out of 850 ladies to be in the finals, let alone go home with the crown! Every single on of the girls did amazing and we all showed how with hard work and determination you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I can’t wait to represent Birmingham on the Miss England Stage and hope to do the city proud.

“The best part of Miss Birmingham was the amazing people I got to meet, everyone was so kind and I have definitely made friends for life. We all deserve to win as we all work hard to raise so much money for the charity Beauty with a Purpose, which is the main reason I love doing this contest.”

Rachael Barker, Miss England Regional Director says “All the girls were truly incredible and I am so proud of each one of them. Watching them grow from the nerves of first auditions, planning and preparation, to seeing every one shine with confidence on stage was so rewarding. Every single finalist deserves to be truly proud of what they have achieved, and helping incredible charities and local businesses along the way. I want to thank everyone that came to the competition and looking forward to seeing Maria’s year”