Sheffield girl reaches semi-final of Miss Teen Great Britain despite being first pageant
A teenager from Sheffield will be taking part in a prestigious competition next year.
A 13-year-old girl from Sheffield has been shortlisted for Miss Teen Great Britain next year despite it being her first pageant.
Talia Neal, from Shirecliffe, secured her place in the glamorous competition after she submitted an application on September 19 2026.
The event will take place in June next year in Blackpool, where young girls from across the country will join together and represent their local communities on a national stage.
Speaking about her achievement, Talia said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have secured a place in the semi-final of Miss Teen Great Britain 2027. It’s such an exciting opportunity, and I’m really proud to be representing Sheffield.
“I’m looking forward to the journey ahead, meeting the other contestants and making the most of this amazing experience.”
The competition aims to challenge stereotypes about pageants and emphasises it is an event aimed to celebrate teenagers, their achievements and their goals.
As part of the competition, Talia will have the opportunity to raise money for the charity, “Together for short lives”, a service that supports children living with serious illnesses.
Talia’s mum, Jessica Neal, 42, said how “proud” she is of her daughter, and explained how “it is her very first pageant”.
She explained that whilst Talia had no previous experience doing pageants, she has always been a dancer and taken part in various dance competitions before.
She said: “She actually asked to do it, you have to apply to be a part of it and upload a photo - I just think doing this is a mix of building her confidence and coming out of her comfort zone.
“She does lack confidence in certain things, but I am just really proud, especially doing this for charity.”
In preparation for the big day, Talia will be taking part in some masterclasses put on by the Miss Teen Great Britain Team, that helps participants understand what to expect on the day and how to walk the stage.
Jessica said: “The day will involve getting glammed up, getting girls together, supporting each other and team building. She’s (Talia) a bit nervous but she’s quite excited.
“I think she’s only told a few of her close friends.”
Whilst doing a pageant is slightly “out of character” for Talia, Jessica shared how she’s excited to “meet new people” and “just sees the fun side of it”.
She hopes that taking part in the competition will inspire other people in her community to “believe in themselves” and “pursue opportunities” they might not think is possible.
If Talia wins, Jessica thinks “she will be over the moon”, but the main thing for her is that “it’s all for a good cause”.