North East beauty queen Bethany Hughes heads to Kent grand final

Bethany Louise Hughes, from Hetton-le-Hole, holds the title of Mrs Glamour North East 2025/26 and will compete in the Miss Glamour UK grand final in Kent on May 23 and 24, backed by sponsor NJDunn Photography.

The 31-year-old is a mother of two, with sons Riley and Brodie, and works in hospitality while juggling freelance modelling, writing and art.

Bethany Louise Hughes of Hetton-le-Hole (Image: Supplied)

She said: “I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this year’s Miss Glamour UK family and can’t wait to meet the rest of this year’s finalists and make the best memories!”

Ms Hughes has a Master’s degree in Fine Art from the University of Sunderland and says her journey into pageantry began in 2023 with the intention of competing just once.

Since then, she has taken part in multiple competitions, culminating in her win of the national title Queen Royal Sapphire UK in 2024.

Bethany with other North East Pageant girls modelling Red’s Rentals at Cineworld Fashion Show (Image: NJDunn Photography)

She said: “I have overcome many challenges in my life which have shaped me as a person and made me a queen who wishes to inspire, support and empower other women and girls.”

During her time in pageantry, she has raised more than £5,000 for charities including Pilgrim’s Hospice, YoungMinds, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, A-Sisterhood, Cancer Research UK, 4Louis, Sick Children’s Trust and Amber’s Legacy.

Recent fundraising efforts as a Miss Glamour UK finalist have included a masquerade ball in Ferryhill, a photoshoot in Horden and a fashion show at Cineworld Boldon.

She also hosted a book launch in Houghton-le-Spring for her debut children’s book, Baxter Bunny & the Weight of the World, which promotes mental health awareness and supports YoungMinds.

Bethany with the Mayor of Sunderland and other North East Pageant girls at her book launch (Image: NJDunn Photography)

Her next and final event before the national final is a 1920s-themed fundraiser in Hetton-le-Hole, raising money for Miss Glamour UK’s chosen charity, Pilgrims Hospices.

Ms Hughes also organises the annual Miss Radiance UK pageant in Hetton-le-Hole, now in its third year, which this year will raise funds for YoungMinds.

A champion of mental health awareness, her main platforms are #BeTheBestYou and Mental Health Awareness.

She said: “As a victim of bullying when I was younger, I suffered from low self-esteem and developed imposter syndrome.

Bethany signing books at her book launch (Image: NJDunn Photography)

“I didn’t know my self-worth and my confidence declined.

“Be The Best You serves as a reminder to be the very best version of yourself and someone that a young version of you would aspire to become.”

Ms Hughes speaks candidly about the impact of mental health on her life, from childhood through to adulthood, and the loss of a close friend to suicide in 2020.

Bethany meeting the Mayor of Sunderland at her book launch (Image: NJDunn Photography)

She said: “I’m a believer of turning pain into purpose.

“Raising awareness for mental health and supporting others is very important to me and I intend to use my voice to let anyone currently suffering know that they are not alone.”

The Miss Glamour UK grand final will take place in Kent on May 23 and 24.