17 year-old Holly, an Irish dancer, has placed in many awards in open championships since she was just six-years old.
A trainee hairdresser and talented artist, Holly uses her painting as a therapy to help with her own mental health such as anxiety. She is also a proud fluent Welsh speaker and loves to use the language as much as she can, in hopes of keeping it alive.
Holly loves nothing better than to dress up and finds it inspiring to be around so many beautiful women who are advocating their various causes.
This will be the teenager’s first pageant but after previous experience as a model she has used her transferable skills moving into the pageantry world.
Holly, who is sponsored by Monolithic bricklaying company said:
“I’m really excited for the final and the adventures in store through the Miss Wales competition. My priority is to fundraise for the Miss World charity, Beauty With A Purpose, and to spread the Miss Wales message of confidence in young women.
“I’m also looking forward to all the friends and memories I’ll make along the way.”
The Miss Wales 2025 final will take place in May and involve a three-day event including an empowerment day designed to boost the confidence of contestants; the Miss Wales Charity Ball in aid of the Miss World charity Beauty With A Purpose; and a catwalk event in front of an audience and panel of judges.
The events will take place in the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and The Riverfront in Newport.
In the run up to the final, the girls will undertake a series of challenges including raising money for the Miss World Charity, Beauty With A Purpose as well as supporting the not-for-profit organisation, A-Sisterhood, which helps women’s causes in the UK and overseas.
They will also be taking part in a random act of kindness day on St David’s Day and holding female-related events to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March.
As well as the fundraising and personal development opportunities, the finalists will also have the opportunity to enjoy the glamorous side of the Miss Wales experience including attending special events, doing photoshoots and working with the media.
Miss Wales organiser, Paula Abbandonato, said:
“Miss Wales is committed to Beauty With A Purpose and that means empowering young women and raising money for good causes through the glamour and fun of pageantry.
“The girls get to make great friends and experience new opportunities while really doing their bit for charity.”
The current Miss Wales is 22-year-old Millie-Mae Adams, a medical student from Cardiff. The reigning Miss World is Krystyna Pyskova from Czech Republic.
The last time Wales won Miss World was in 1974 when Helen Morgan from Barry took the crown. Sophie Moulds from Ferndale came close in 2012 when she was placed first runner up.
The new Miss Wales will represent Wales at Miss World and will enjoy a year of VIP experiences including a visit to India to support the Sheroes of Stop Acid Attacks.
[Lead image: Holly Thomas]
