About Us
The return of Miss Newcastle England for 2026 marks a powerful new chapter for pageantry in the North East. As an official regional heat of Miss England, the competition offers local women the opportunity to progress to the MissEngland Final, with the national winner going on to represent England at Miss World.
The relaunch is led by Regional Director Melissa Fiona Rae, whose journey began as a young Miss Newcastle contestant before progressing to national and international stages. Having competed internationally at Miss Eco representing the UK, and later reaching the Miss England Final, Melissa brings lived experience, credibility, and astrong vision for the future of the competition.
With over a decade immersed in the pageant industry, Melissa Fiona Rae brings a wealth of experience, passion and modern vision to her role as Regional Director of Miss Newcastle England. From competing and working behind the scenes to judging, mentoring and producing high-profile regional events,
Melissa has spent more than ten years mastering every element of the pageant world. Her journey has given her a deep understanding of what it truly takes to develop confident, articulate and purpose-driven titleholders.
Now, as Director of Miss Newcastle England, she combines that experience with fresh energy and strong leadership to create a platform that empowers women across the North East — not just to compete, but to grow, lead and represent their city with pride on the national stage.
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"Miss Newcastle holds an exceptionally special place in my heart, as it is where my journey in pageantry first began. From taking my very first steps on this stage over a decade ago, to going on to represent the United Kingdom internationally in one of the worlds largest pageants and competed nationally as a finalist at Miss England, this platform has shaped the woman I am today. Pageantry has opened doors I once only dreamed of — from modelling opportunities, working with major brands to building my own business and developing a professional career grounded in confidence, resilience, and ambition. The skills, connections, and self-belief I gained through this experience have extended far beyond the stage.Having once stood exactly where you stand now, I understand both the excitement and the uncertainty that comes with pursuing something bigger than yourself. As a proud Geordie, a new mother, a business owner, and now Regional Director, my mission is to create an inclusive and empowering platform that nurtures confidence, celebrates individuality, and equips young women with the tools, exposure, and belief to represent Newcastle with pride at Miss England — and to seize the opportunities that follow far beyond the crown."
— Melissa Fiona Rae, Miss Newcastle Director
Meet the Rest of The Miss Newcastle Team
Nikki Finnigan - Event Co-ordinator
Nikki Finnigan brings a wealth of experience in events and service coordination, making her a valuable support throughout the pageant journey. With strong mentoring qualities, she is dedicated to guiding and uplifting contestants every step of the way. Nikki offers both emotional support and practical advice, helping participants confidently approach sponsors and make the most of their experience. Her passion lies in empowering each girl to shine during the Miss Newcastle heats and final, ensuring they feel prepared, supported, and inspired throughout the process
Anfi Denysenko - Staff Media Co-ordinator & Scout
Hi, my name is Anfi, and I’m a professional photographer specialising in portrait, event, and commercial photography. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects — from beauty pageants such as Miss England to creating content for brands and individuals.
I am especially excited to be part of the Miss Newcastle team, where I photograph contestants and events while creating visual content that emphasises the elegance and uniqueness of each participant. For me, this role is not just about photography — it’s about being part of a platform that supports confidence, personal growth, and self-expression.