Calling all Ballymena beauty queens

Ballymena girls will be hoping to recreate the success of ex-Miss NI finalist Ballymena girl Deborah McCrindle. Event organiser Alison Clarke is looking for entrants aged between 17 and 24 from all parts of Northern Ireland to take over the crown from current Miss Northern Ireland Tiffany Brien.

Two girls will be selected from this heat as finalists and will go forward to compete at the black tie final event in The Europa Hotel on May 13.

This once in a lifetime opportunity will see one lucky girl compete in the Miss World finals in Indonesia this coming September. For that reason, the organisers and judging panel alike are looking for something more than just a pretty face. Alison Clarke said: “I can see it being a tough competition, but we’re looking for one lucky girl who will stand out and impress the judges to win this title before going on to compete in Miss World in Indonesia in September. Tiffany has been a wonderful ambassador for the contest and has put a very positive and friendly face to Northern Ireland this past year.”

Title sponsor Open + Direct is very excited to continue its association with the competition this year. Sinead Meighan from Open + Direct said: “With two branches in Ballymena for over 20 years, we know the young ladies in the area are as ambitious, intelligent and friendly as they are beautiful. It’s the combination of all these traits which we’ll be looking for at the Ballymena heat.”

Siobhan McKeown, Marketing Manager at The OUTLET, returning this year as fashion sponsor, said: “Our partnership with this prestigious event allows us to showcase the latest fashion trends, culminating in a fabulous fashion show at the gala final. As well as the fashion show by top ACA models, the finalists also showcase stylish swimwear from Calvin Klein Underwear at the OUTLET Village at the final. At the Belfast heat on 28 February our style scouts will be judging all guests for their fashion looks and then we’ll be awarding the Best Dressed with some fabulous gifts from The OUTLET, where there are always stylish savings of up to 70% off your favourite brands.”

This year’s overall winner will not only take on the coveted title of Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2013, and an all-expenses paid trip to Miss World in Indonesia, she will also win a Kia car from Downey’s, taxed and insured for a year by Open + Direct, as well as a wardrobe of designer dresses for Miss World from Beverly Hills and a front cover photoshoot with IN! magazine. Beauty prizes, which will keep her preened and prepared for her role, include one year’s hairdressing and LA Tanning Treatments from TAN 2 U Mobile Spray Tanning, as well as 1 year’s eyebrow threading, eyelash extensions and nail treatments by Renu at Michele International, a £500 makeup hamper from Paddy McGurgan’s Make Up Pro store and a makeup lesson with Paddy himself plus luxurious beauty treatments from Beauty Culture as well as stunning designer sunglasses from Jonathan Keys. The winner can also keep fit with her gym membership at Culloden Spa and her modeling career will also get off to the right start with a photoshoot session with Andy Cameron Photography and a year’s contract with top model agency, ACA Models.

Current title holder Tiffany said: “I have had the most amazing experience so far this year. My ultimate highlight was being part of Miss World in the summer. It really is an opportunity and an experience of a lifetime which I relished and soaked up every minute of. Back home I’ve enjoyed attending wonderful events and doing a huge variety of modelling assignments – everything from photocalls, to advertising campaigns, fashion shows and editorial shoots, but I’ve also loved taking part in several charity challenges and fundraisers – in particular, the Miss Northern Ireland chosen charity, The NI Children’s Hospice.”

To enter, girls should send a photograph with their name and address to the Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland Contest, 381 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 5DT. Competition rules can be checked out on the Miss NI website www.missnorthernireland.co.uk or on Facebook at Miss Northern Ireland Contest.

The official website also outlines full details of the competition heats and the full range of prizes available.