Beauty pageants can be regarded with suspicion in the modern age, especially with regards to whether they promote old-fashioned perspectives of women.
But contestants at Miss Manchester and Miss Greater Manchester 2020 have cited the experience amongst their proudest ever moments.
Many participants (including the likes of Manchester’s own Akisha Jade) recognise the contests as offering routes to self-confidence – as they aim to inspire, motivate and empower other women to be themselves and become involved in community projects.
One of the 2020 finalists for the Miss Greater Manchester competition, Esme Holliday, has spoken out about how the pageant has given her an opportunity to truly “make a difference.”
Esme Holliday
The 19-year-old is currently a student at the University of Salford studying TV and Radio production, and is originally from the Lake District.
Speaking to The Manc, Esme explained why entering this pageant was so important to her, whilst illustrating some of the ways these types of competitions have transformed in the current climate.
“It is so much more than just a pretty face nowadays,” Esme tells us.
“Cheryl Broadfoot [the host] wants to change the face of pageants and make sure that it is not just whoever looks the prettiest, you need to work hard and be dedicated to actually making a difference in the world”
Each contestant must find their own sponsor at the contest – which is advertised on their individual sashes.
Esme chose ‘A Skye Full of Stars’ – a charity set up in memory of her close friend Skye Mitchell who sadly died in a fatal car accident in 2017.
Skye had been in many beauty pageants, even becoming Miss Junior North West, and her and Esme had always planned to take part in a contest together.
Elle for Elle works to support female refuges who have escaped from domestic abuse in the UK and globally, with finalists collecting toiletries and essential items to help those fleeing from their homes.
The girls have also raised over £11,000 for One Woman At A Time, an organisation that works with women in Kenya, India and the UK who are at risk of forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and domestic abuse. The money raised has already gone towards providing a new water tank and brighter lighting at a refuge in Kenya.
As well as raising money for charity, the contestants also compete in rounds. So far, there has been a radiant smile round, one for sharing your story, and a talent section.
Esme decided to stray away from the popular talents of singing or dancing and rekindled with her love of playing the trumpet for her talent entry. Other girls did some acting, dress-making and even balloon modelling!
Upcoming stages include a sustainability round (which involves creating an outfit from recyclable materials) and then the public vote.
If she wins, Esme says she would like to carry on the work of previous Miss Manchester champion Suzy Bamgose – who dedicated herself to working against homelessness in Manchester.
Esme is also keen to raise awareness of logging off from social media and highlighting the dangers of comparing yourself to a stranger on Instagram.
Alongside the Miss Greater Manchester competition in 2020, there is Miss Cheshire, Miss Lancashire and Miss Manchester. A Mr Manchester was announced earlier this year.
Winners can go on to compete for Miss England – and the last time a Mancunian was crowned champion was way back in 1965.
The finals take place in September, and whilst the organisers are keeping a close eye on developments given the current climate, the Miss Manchester community is keeping its fingers crossed that the awards ceremony won’t have to be a virtual one…
Popular noodle bar Chopstix to host ALL-NEW live music event in Manchester
Thomas Melia
Much-loved noodle box eatery Chopstix are hosting an all-new series of live music events, with the first kicking off at one of Manchester’s most popular venues.
Chopstix has become a foodie’s favourite in the city centre with its combo boxes and now they’re about to win over the musiclovers thanks to these brand-new live-performances.
The Asian restaurant chain is launching ‘Red Box Live’,a first-of-its-kind music event series taking place in some of the UK’s best independent music venues,, and it kicks off at one of the city’s most beloved music venues,YES.
These events will see a rising star headline slot, DJ’s, free drinks and of course, food, because it couldn’t be a Chopstix party without some of its iconic flavour-packed boxes.
Chopstix is known for serving up flavoursome feasts in their combo boxes.The Asian restaurant chain has chosen YES as the first spot for their ‘Red Box Live’ event.Credit: Supplied
Indie-pop artist Liang Lawrence is claiming the first headline spot and she’s definitely no stranger at frequenting some of the most famed stages in the country, having recently performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sefton Park on the BBC Introducing stage, following in the footsteps of Manc rap-talent Aitch.
The ‘Red Box Live’ music events build from the eatery’s previous music-focused series ‘Red Box Sessions’ which saw acts like Flames Collective and Grace Davies (X-Factor) in intimate studio sessions.
Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: The launch of our brand new Red Box Live event series is incredibly exciting.”We’re bringing big, bold flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our flavour craving crowd right here in Manchester.”
“We’re bringing BIG, BOLD flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our Flavour Craving crowd right here in Manchester.”
Liang Lawrence will be performing at ‘Red Box Live’ organised by Chopstix.There will be free food and live music at this exclusive event.Credit: Supplied
The first ‘Red Box Live’ is taking place on 16 July with a headline performance from Liang Lawrence at YES in Manchester. Doors open from 7pm with a DJ set, and tickets are available to win for free on Chopstix’s website.
Featured Images – Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
News
The latest on Salford Red Devils financial situation as ‘winding-up’ petition is adjourned
Danny Jones
The current situation at Salford Red Devils is far from ideal, with the rugby league team currently owing hundreds of thousands of pounds in debt, not to mention facing further stress over finances with players owed wages, key personnel leaving and remaining uncertainty over future ownership.
So, why is the board expressing reassurance among supporters following the recent adjournment of a ‘winding-up’ petition, and what exactly does this mean?
It is no doubt a complex issue, but with the season concluding in October and the Greater Manchester club essentially being given a stay of execution, for lack of a better phrase, it’s possible that a corner could hopefully be turned soon.
Here’s everything we know so far about the situation in Salford and where the Red Devils’ finances are currently at.
Salford Red Devils’ finances and more – explained
For a start, they’re late on payroll again this month.
Salford Red Devils players have been told they will not receive their salaries today.https://t.co/ofHTR0uZyN
According to recent reports, Salford Red Devils owe more than half a million pounds to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at present, with current estimates said to be in the region of £600,000.
The Super League side has fallen into debt due to a number of factors: their own performance as a business, cuts to local funding and a period of spending in terms of recruitment and pre-season preparation under the assumption of a subsidy from Salford City Council (SCC).
However, this would-be uplift – despite it being promised late last year – never came as the Council (having already provided £315k in ‘immediate’ financial aid back in March 2024) U-turned on the decision after it was revealed further backing was not in the budget.
SCC ended up owing around £2 million itself after stepping in to save both SRD and fellow rugby league outfit Swinton Lions, handing out loans to both clubs even prior to purchasing Salford Community Stadium and the surrounding area.
The Council ultimately shelled out north of £7.7m to buy the ground and sever commercial ties with previous owners, Peel. They had hoped to further alleviate pressure on the club, but Salford Red Devils (SRD) had already spent the money they were expecting to receive on new players, training and more.
SRD were then told to sell off a number of players by the league.
With all this in mind, something called a ‘winding-up’ petition – basically a document sent by creditors that demands the immediate liquidation of a company/organisation that owes them money – was filed by HMRC back in May, with the tax authorities demanding payment of the outstanding sum.
However, special dispensation appears to have been made not only due to the complicated and unforeseen circumstances Salford have faced along the way, but also for the sake of the Rugby Football League (RFL) itself, with the Red Devils still seen as a valuable sporting and community asset.
One of those unexpected twists was the takeover by a new consortium led by Dario Berta, whose investment failed to clear in time and resulted in the club being hit with the financial sustainability problem that saw them cutbacks.
In a small bit of good fortune, it has now been decided that the petition to liquidate the SRD has been postponed, though not indefinitely.
As expected, there is good news that the winding-up petition filed by HMRC against Salford Red Devils has been successfully adjourned by the club's representatives in London until after the season has finished in September.
It's important to focus on supporting Salford as they…
— The Game Caller 🗣🎙📻 (@TheGameCaller) June 25, 2025
What could happen next?
The date for coughing up what debt they owe to the tax authorities has now been pushed back to September, meaning they have until then to find the finances, or else they could very well be made insolvent in a matter of months.
However, as per BBC Radio Manchester, those involved in the ongoing process are “confident” that bridging loans will be put in place over the coming days to keep HMRC at bay.
And, nevertheless, head coach Paul Rowley has insisted that he can see “green shoots” starting to emerge around the club, despite still sitting bottom of the table with just one win to their name.
What’s for sure is that the local area isn’t giving up on them, with numerous fundraisers and charity events being set up to help support the club via the official Salford Red Devils Foundation.
Fingers firmly crossed that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Jess Walmsley -
25th June 2020 
