Miss World Beauties Hit The Union

Cambridge town centre was overrun by a bevy of beauties from around the world on Friday, as 122 Miss World contestants descended on the Cambridge Union.

The girls were in Cambridge to take part in a forum at the Union, answering questions about the merits of the competition.

The Miss World ladies get stuck in at the Union

Unsurprisingly it was a packed chamber, with members jostling to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous girls, and ITV even streamed the event live.

Miss Scotland, Miss Zimbabwe, Miss Botswana and Miss Puerto Rico opened the proceedings with speeches about the fundraising activities of  the competition, which have raised more than £300 million for charities worldwide.

Miss Dominican Republic chats to the chamber

After the speeches, the girls took questions from the chamber. Despite some scepticism from the audience, the contestants tried to stress the benefits of the competition.

Responding to criticism Miss England said: “I can understand why students might be hostile towards us, but to be honest, we are fighting misconceptions just like Cambridge students are fighting misconceptions.”

Miss Botswana agreed, saying: “There is more to us than beautiful white teeth and the longest eyelashes. This is about female empowerment.”

Miss Scotland would certainly get our vote

David Leigh, the Union Treasurer and organiser of the event, told The Tab: “Six TV crews, a 50 person entourage and 120 contestants – it was an organisational nightmare!

“However, it was a great, well-attended event where members were able to air their concerns about the nature of the Miss World organisation and contestants could give an insight into some of their charitable projects.”

The event was part of a two week UK tour to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the competition. After the event lucky members also got the chance to meet the beauties in the bar.

The ladies listen to the opening speeches

Early in the day the forum looked in danger of being cancelled, after all the girls got stuck on the M11.

But the ladies got here eventually, and even managed a spot of punting and tours of Clare, Trinity and St John’s before their appearance at the Union.

BNOC and Union Recruitment Officer Juan Zober de Francisco was one of those given the ‘arduous’ job of chaperoning the contestants. He told The Tab: “The ladies were lovely guests and showing them our university was a pleasure.”

The girls also seemed to enjoy the experience. Miss Scotland told The Tab: “Cambridge is like the old part of Glasgow, but ten times more beautiful.”

This year’s Miss World will be crowned on 6th November at the competition’s climax at Earl’s Court.