The great, the grand and the glamorous were out in force last night at the Palace Hotel to watch Miss Manchester 2014 and see Codie Hayward take home the crown.
Codie beat runner-up Kirsty Collins while Rebecca Derwent came in third.
The 19-year-old, from Crumpsall currently works at a bakery – but cooked up a storm to fight off stiff competition and wowed celebrity judges Calum Best, Kym Marsh and Chelsee Healey to earn the title of Miss Manchester.
This was the beauty queen’s first pageant and she can now look forward to competing for the title of Miss England this June.
Speaking about the win, Codie told MM: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked. I was not expecting to win at all – I was just up there having fun.
“I’m just excited for what’s come and to represent this amazing city where I grew up is such an amazing thing to achieve!”
So proud so say I am the reigning Miss Manchester, I am so ridiculously happy words can’t describe @MissMcrOfficial #missmanchester
— Codie Hayward (@_CodieLouise) April 25, 2014
TWO-PIECE MASTERPIECE: The swimwear section of the show is a big hit
As part of her prize package, Codie will receive a year’s representation from ADF Consulatancy, a photo shoot with renowned celebrity photographer Lesauvage, VIP PR promotion from Mongasta, a five-star luxury spa break in Malta and a Delanicci Extreme watch set.
The night was a real success with 30 lovely ladies dazzling the rambunctious audience over three rounds, which included an evening wear section and the infamous swimwear section.
Long-time lothario Best was on hand to give the girls a nod and a wink of encouragement as one of the judges on the panel, he told MM; “I love Manchester, any chance to come to work here, I take it!
“You have to take it seriously because they work hard to be up there.
“A part of me is like ‘who am I to judge?’ so I just sit back, smile and leave it to the professionals.”
Last year’s winner Annabella Durkin was on-hand to give over her crown. The current Miss England Kirsty Heslewood was also present at the judges table to cast her keen eye on the cream of Manchester’s 2014 crop.
STAR-STUDDED: Coronation Street star Kym Marsh (left) with female impersonator Terri Fox
Guests were treated to three-course meal and entertainment was on offer from street dancers, former Miss Manchester-turned-opera singer Carly Hopkinson, singer J Sky and female impersonator Terri Fox.
While Marsh’s daughter Emily, who is set to appear on ITV show Britain’s Got Talent, also put in an appearance.
Guests were encouraged to donate throughout the night and an auction was held for the charities that the event supports; Beauty With a Purpose, childrens’ charity Variety, the Philippines appeal charity Typhoon Haiyan and Forever Manchester.
Volunteer and Events Co-ordinator for Forever Manchester Craig Hough said: “The girls were sassy, the entertainment was top draw and we crowned a very worthy winner.
He added: “Miss Manchester was an incredible event and Forever Manchester are proud to be the chosen charity for the event.
“All money donated at the event will go back to help community projects in the Greater Manchester area. We can’t wait for next year!”
