Organiser of children's beauty pageant in Lincoln vows to continue despite criticism
The organiser of a children's beauty pageant says she is determined to put on "bigger and better" events, despite widespread media criticism.
Leanne Woodall was forced to defend the Miss Glitz Sparkle event on TV programme Daybreak, after it made national headlines.
But the Lincoln mum, of Monks Road, is already arranging the next pageant for January 2013.
The event, which took place at the Pride of Lincoln, in North Hykeham, on Sunday, September 2, featured children with fake tans and make-up.
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Critics say the US-style event – the largest one of its type in the UK – sexualised children.
But Mrs Woodall, 32, said the experience was good for the contestants' confidence.
The youngest age range was for children aged between 0 and 2 years old.
"I think the criticism has made me more determined now," said Mrs Woodall.
"The next event is going to be bigger and better and we've even been talking to a company in America about the winners going over there to compete.
"I think people perceive it by what they read and they don't always understand it.
"It's a great way for kids to make friends, they get so much more confidence.
"I've had 100 per cent positive feedback from parents and contestants."
Comments
by JDaveJ
Friday, September 07 2012, 11:08AM
“Obviously, the parents and contestants are going to be positive in their feedback, but let's face it - these children should not be subjected to this attempt at taking their innocence away by plastering them in make up to make them look ridiculous and more like mini-adults than children. This is one of the many things imported from the USA that we definitely don't need on our shores.”