A young woman from Wrexham is preparing to compete for the Miss Wales 2026 title after earning a place in the national final.
Castell Alun High School
Twenty-two-year-old Candy Stanton has been shortlisted for the prestigious event and hopes to use the opportunity to promote greater inclusion for women and neurodivergent people in STEM. She works in a technical role and is committed to breaking down barriers. Candy also wants to show how representation can help create a more welcoming future for science and technology.
Candy grew up in Llay and spent most of her life in Wrexham. She attended Castell Alun High School, where her interest in engineering first emerged during physics and engineering classes. At the time, not many girls were choosing those subjects, but Candy felt an immediate pull towards them. With no family background in engineering or university education, choosing that path was undoubtedly a bold step.
Electrical Maintenance Apprenticeship
After leaving school, she completed an Electrical Maintenance apprenticeship and also an NVQ in Electrical Maintenance in North Wales. She then gained an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Technology at Wrexham University. Candy now works as a manufacturing engineer and is in the process of becoming a STEM Ambassador. Her aim is to encourage more young women to pursue technical careers. This goal played a major part in her decision to enter Miss Wales, as she definitely wants to show that women in STEM can be confident, visible and proud in male-dominated fields.
Alongside her professional work, Candy has organised a fundraiser for Wrexham residents. The event supports A-Sisterhood, a charity that empowers and also protects women across the world. Away from work, she enjoys hiking and baking. She spends her free time exploring Wales’ scenic routes or developing new recipes.
Fundraising to Help Women
Candy said, “I’m really excited for the final and the adventures in store through the Miss Wales competition. I’m looking forward to fundraising to help women and children worldwide and spreading 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 2026 final will take place in April and will run over three days. The programme includes an empowerment day, the Miss Wales Charity Ball and the catwalk event in front of an audience and judging panel. Events will be held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and also at The Riverfront in Newport. In the lead-up to the final, contestants will raise money for charity, support A-Sisterhood and take part in ASK ME training with Welsh Women’s Aid to help them identify signs of domestic abuse and additionally direct women and girls to safety.
Memorable Opportunities
Finalists also experience the more glamorous side of the competition. This includes special events, photoshoots and social media challenges. Miss Wales organiser Paula Abbandonato said the competition aims to empower young women and raise money for good causes while also offering memorable opportunities.
The current Miss Wales is Helena Hawke from Caerleon. The reigning Miss World is Opal Suchata from Thailand. Wales last won Miss World in 1974 with Helen Morgan from Barry, while Sophie Moulds from Ferndale was first runner-up in 2012. The new Miss Wales will also go on to represent Wales at Miss World and enjoy a year of high-profile engagements, including a visit to India to support the Sheroes of Stop Acid Attacks.
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