Ms Great Britain Lancashire 2024: Alana Evans

It was something I never expected to do, but it was one of the best things I’ve ever done!” Alana says. What makes her journey even more surprising is that she had never participated in a pageant before. Alana’s entry into this world was driven by a desire to raise funds for a cause that means a lot to her. “I’m starting a charity called Bridges to Brighter Futures,” she explains. “It all began when my son started high school, and I realised there wasn’t enough support to help children navigate that transition.”

As a mental health nurse, Alana has worked closely with children and understands how vital early intervention can be. “I’ve partnered with a local school to provide mental health support starting in August next year, but I need to fundraise to make it happen.”

Before entering the pageant scene, Alana had little knowledge of it. “Until eight weeks ago, I’d never even heard of Miss Great Britain. I thought it was an American thing, the kind of pageants you see on TV,” she admits. However, her connection to the local community helped her see a new opportunity. She knew the owner of Dressed Boutique Ltd, a dress shop in Preston that sponsors the Miss Great Britain pageant. “I discovered that Miss Great Britain supports so many worthy causes, including Cancer Research, which I’m passionate about too,” she says.

As an outdoor enthusiast and hiker, Alana found the world of beauty pageants initially intimidating. “I thought it would be all young, slim girls, but it wasn’t like that at all. There were women of all ages and sizes. After some challenging years, I decided to stop saying no to things and embrace new opportunities. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind!” she shares. Alana’s journey led her to be crowned Ms Lancashire 2024, paving the way for her to compete in the finals of Miss Great Britain. “I never expected to win. I didn’t think I was prepared enough, and I was really clueless about the pageant world. I was waving when apparently that’s not the done thing!” she laughs, recalling her initial nerves. The crowning moment was especially meaningful when her sons came up to her, beaming with pride. “There was a real sense of achievement!”

Alana with her sons

The finals took place on October 18 at the Athena in Leicester, where over 600 guests gathered to watch the event. Leading up to the night, Alana was buzzing with excitement. “I think the only thing I’m not looking forward to is the choreography at the beginning. I’m not a dancer! But the other girls in the pageant are so kind and supportive – it feels like a community. I can’t wait to get dressed up!” she said eagerly.

“I realised this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I should make the most of it.”

The final competition included three rounds: fashion wear, swimwear, and ballgowns. “I was a bit nervous about the swimwear round since I’m not a skinny girl,” Alana admits. “But we’re all different shapes and sizes. I’m 37, and I realised this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I should make the most of it.”

Alana

As someone who hadn’t considered pageants before, Alana had the perception of pageants that many of us may have – of competitive contestants and an unfriendly atmosphere. “I couldn’t have been more wrong,” she smiles. “Everyone really roots for each other, and it’s such a positive environment. At a masterclass with the other contestants, everyone was so encouraging. It didn’t feel competitive at all; it’s just a lovely atmosphere.”

During the masterclass, Alana met many inspiring women, each with their own stories and missions. “Every single woman there has a story – they’re all supporting amazing causes and raising awareness about important issues. There’s such a strong charity component in the beauty pageant world,” she reflects.

Miss Great Britain 2024/25 was won by Ava Morgan, Ms. Great Britain by Emma Powell, and Ms. Great Britain Classic by Debbie Hughes. “Everything went really well on the night, and even though I didn’t win a title, it was an amazing experience,” Alana beams.

For Alana Evans, Miss Great Britain was never just about winning a crown. It was an opportunity to build a platform for meaningful change. Her journey shows that pageantry is more than just beauty—it’s about empowerment, creating community, and making a lasting impact.

NorthernLife Dec/Jan/Feb 24/25