They capture precious memories of joy and elation but it was never an easy process. It took heat after heat of auditions to land a coveted spot in the grand finals - it was always a tense and emotional time.
At the height of their success, Blackpool's natural beach side location gave prominence as a key place to host decades of beauty contests.
Although their popularity has dipped since the aspiring days which attracted hundreds of entrants, the contests are still going strong, acting as springboards to launch careers with a shift from simply who's the prettiest to celebrating personal achievement. Miss Blackpool, Miss Great Britain and other beauty contests continue to empower women to be their absolute best.
In case you missed them: 27 Blackpool landladies you might remember from the town's pubs in the 90s and 00s
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. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Miss Blackpool winner Lindsey Perry with Donna Fleetwood (right) 2nd and Natalie Earle 3rd in 2003 Photo: Mark Pearson

. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Huge celebrations from Jessica Berry, winner in 2009 Photo: Donna Clifford


. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Winner of Miss Blackpool 2001 Joanne Birchall (centre) with 3rd Place Heidi Cliff (left) and 2nd place Jane Louise Slater right Photo: Martin Bostock

. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Miss Blackpool 2006 reception which was held at the Winter Gardens. Pictured from left to right are 3rd place Gemma Henry, winner Sally Hempel and 2nd place Jade Slvsarczyk Photo: Mark Pearson

. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
The winners of the 1999 Miss Blackpool Heat 3. Pictured from left Victoria Rogers Charlene Rothwell and Amanda Hope Photo: submit

. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Relaxing after scooping the title of Miss Blackpool in 2004 - Terri Williams. Photo: Bill Johnson

. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
A big hug from retiring Miss Blackpool Donna Fleetwood for her successor and close friend Sally Hempel in 2006 Photo: submit

. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Finals of Miss Blackpool 2007 - Winner Gemma-Louise Henry Photo: National World

1. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Miss Blackpool winner Lindsey Perry with Donna Fleetwood (right) 2nd and Natalie Earle 3rd in 2003 Photo: Mark Pearson

2. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Huge celebrations from Jessica Berry, winner in 2009 Photo: Donna Clifford


4. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Winner of Miss Blackpool 2001 Joanne Birchall (centre) with 3rd Place Heidi Cliff (left) and 2nd place Jane Louise Slater right Photo: Martin Bostock

5. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
Miss Blackpool 2006 reception which was held at the Winter Gardens. Pictured from left to right are 3rd place Gemma Henry, winner Sally Hempel and 2nd place Jade Slvsarczyk Photo: Mark Pearson

6. Celebrating Miss Blackpool
The winners of the 1999 Miss Blackpool Heat 3. Pictured from left Victoria Rogers Charlene Rothwell and Amanda Hope Photo: submit