The heat is on in ‘Spice’ girls search

Former winners of the legendary Miss Northern Ireland contest joined event organiser Alison Clarke and guests on board the beautifully restored Nomadic Belfast to officially launch the 2014 Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland contest today, Thursday 23rd January 2014.

Pictured (left to right): Emma Louise Dowie, Hannah Clarke, Meagan Green, Alison Clarke, Grace Gilmour, Zoe Salmon and Judith Grey. — Former winners of the legendary Miss Northern Ireland contest joined event organiser Alison Clarke and guests on board the beautifully restored Nomadic Belfast to officially launch the 2014 Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland contest today, Thursday 23rd January 2014. Pictured (left to right): Emma Louise Dowie, Hannah Clarke, Meagan Green, Alison Clarke, Grace Gilmour, Zoe Salmon and Judith Grey.

A local heat is lined up for Lisburn’s Spice Restaurant on Sunday, March 9.

Organised by modelling agency, ACA Models, as one of 14 regional heats across Northern Ireland, the event seeks ambitious young women, aged 17 -24, to take over the crown from current Miss Northern Ireland, Meagan Green.

Two finalists from each heat will be chosen to take part in the May 12 grand finale at Belfast’s Europa Hotel, a black-tie event hosted by UTV’s Mark Mallett alongside TV presenter and former Miss Northern Ireland Zoe Salmon .

Contest organiser Alison Clarke said: “We are looking forward to meeting lots of new talent at the upcoming regional heats. Our talent scouts have been out and about over the last few weeks and, so far, we have had a great response.

“The contest is about more than just superficial beauty; it’s about finding talented young women who will be judged not only on their appearance but also on their personality, poise, presence and intelligence.

“The winner will become an ambassador for Northern Ireland and will be given support and guidance throughout her reign and beyond.

“Over the years we’ve nurtured many young women who have gone on to achieve high profile careers in modeling, the media and business. The contest really is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Current title-holder Meagan Green said: “Being crowned Open+Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2013 has opened so many doors to me and really helped to kickstart my career.

“I’ve had the best year of my life representing Northern Ireland both at home and abroad. . .

“I would encourage others that aspire to a career in modelling to make the most of the opportunity and take part in their regional heat.”

Michelle Reid, Open+Direct Branch Manager said: “Everyone at the Lisburn branch of Open+Direct is excited to see what the Spice Restaurant heat in Lisburn has to offer.

“It’s fantastic to see so many local girls come together in the hope of becoming the next Miss Northern Ireland.

“We can’t wait to see who makes it through to the final – good luck to all the girls.”

Entrants should send a photograph with their name and address to the Open+Direct Miss Northern Ireland Contest, 381 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 5DT.