The charity based pageant was founded by Gisele Buckingham from Folkestone, the home of the world’s first every International beauty contest, which was later became known as Miss World. Gisele, wanted to create a pageant with a difference and so, taking the concept of “True Beauty Comes from within “ and with the ideal of Miss World of 'Beauty with Purpose', Face of Europe was established in 2009. And was the 1st Beauty Pageant ever to be hosted in Disneyland Paris. With the increasing popularity of this pageant and the voluntary support of her team, Face of Europe quickly grew into Face of Europe & the World in 2012
Contestants are encouraged to fundraise, raise awareness and support charities in their local communities as well as helping our founding charity Headway East Kent, over the last 6 years we have reached an international total of over £160,000.00, each contestant has contributed and raised awareness of local and world causes to help reach our total which we are continuing to improve upon.
Unfortunately pageantry has had, and deservedly so in some cases, bad press which is something to overcome. Some people, press and organisation's cannot see beyond the old styled ‘pageant’ or just don’t want to look, too see anything different, would you believe, it has taken a while to prove ourselves and for our contestants to fundraising seriously, but we now have a proven record and testimonials from beneficiaries to supporting our aim.
Face of Europe & the World do not hold swimwear rounds, all girls are asked to wear age appropriate outfits and make up, each girl is interviewed and their charitable activities taken into account. They are hoping to spread this new 'Face' of charity pageantry around the world and prove that there is more to girls who sometimes like to wear pretty dresses and tiara’s, than a pretty face………..they want to show they understand the difficulties some people have to overcome and want to help. The reining Senior Face of Europe, Arati Menon, is a medical student from Brentwood Essex, hopefully dispelling two myths at once.
We have therefore brought two concepts together “the Pageant & Fund raising” the pageant allows the girls to meet and share their endeavors with other like minded girls from all over the world, to forge friendships & memories that will last a lifetime. Holding the contest in Disneyland Paris is a way of thanking these young ladies for all their hard work during the year, they are all amazing ambassadors for their countries and we are proud to say they are excellent role models for the younger generation, who they will encourage to follow in their footsteps and take up the charity mantle and carry on the good work for the future.
Our Grand final is held in Folkestone, Kent England from 2nd November 2018 and we then take all the finalists onto Disneyland Paris for 3 days from 4th November until the 7th
the contestants get to Spend 2 days enjoying themselves in the Disneyland resort Park & the Walt Disney Studio Park with a night of fun at the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show with Mickey Mouse the week then ends with the Grand Final hosted at the Dream Castle Hotel in Disneyland Paris, where we crown the 4 winners one from each age groups Face of the UK, Face of Europe, Face of Ms International and the overall winner Face of Europe & the World we also crown from each age group a Miss Charity.
We have four age groups Minnie 4- 8 years, Junior 9-13years, Teen 14 to 18 Years and our senior title 19 to 39 years