Miss Northern Ireland competition has announced that for the first time in its four-decade history, it will not include a swimwear catwalk as part of the grand finale.
The beauty contest, which has been running in Northern Ireland since 1980, revealed the decision at the launch of its 2023 competition on Thursday at the Grand Central Hotel.
The bikini portion of the show, which is held at the Europa Hotel every year, has been removed to use the competition in a "responsible way" when inspiring the next generation of contestants.
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Victoria Withers, Managing Director of ACA Models who run the Miss Northern Ireland competition, said that she was "so excited" to announce the shake-up of the contest format.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Victoria said: "We’ve decided to remove the bikini section from the final catwalk section that takes place at the Gala Final event at the Europa.
"I’ve felt the focus has been on the swimwear segment and it is detracting from the real message and meaning of the contest – amazing young women who are making a real difference whether that be in their day-to-day jobs with several women working in STEM, nursing or working alongside charities are often overlooked.
"Although this section was always voluntary many of the contestants found it empowering and don’t get me wrong, we should all be encouraged to love our bodies and every woman should feel confident and empowered to celebrate it, whether that be in a bikini or any other attire."
She continued: "For me as the new license holder, the meaning of this contest is to celebrate these young women’s strengths, achievements and aspirations and to encourage them to embrace their individuality and confidence so by removing the bikini section from the show it marks a new chapter that ensures the images the contest project is not just beautiful, but also empowering and inclusive."
Speaking at the launch event, Victoria expressed that there is "a lot of pressure in the world at the minute" and it is important for them to be a "positive light" and use the competition in a responsible way.
She said: "I just believe the Miss Northern Ireland contest provides the perfect platform for young women to showcase their talents, intelligence, beauty and inspire the next generation."
"It's been a long time coming but I was watching it for the first time last year and I just feel like it wouldn't be missed - I want the image that we are putting out there to be a responsible one and that it is not just about beauty but about inclusivity and intelligence."
Last year, Ballymena student Daria Gapska was crowned Miss Northern Ireland 2022 at the annual event at the Europa Hotel and is set to represent the country at Miss World later this year.
She follows in the footsteps of teacher Anna Leitch who made it the whole way to the top 6 for the first time in Miss NI history and was also crowned Miss World Europe.
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