It’s June, it's sunny, and you know what that means - Pride Month is in full swing! I'm Emma, and as you might have guessed from my handle @GlitterAndTutus, I'm absolutely mad about sparkly things and everything tutus. Today, however, is a very special day. It’s #Tutuesday and also my mission to bring some pink-hued disco-ball glamour to Barrow in Furness’s Pride celebrations.
The fact that Barrow's hosting its first official Pride event has got me absolutely buzzing! It’s about time, isn’t it? For years, we’ve had all these hidden gems of inclusivity tucked away, like a secret garden blooming under the shadow of the Furness Abbey ruins. Now, the flowers are coming out in full colour and the whole town is ready to party.
Barrow, let's be honest, it hasn't always been the most 'fashionable' place, but trust me - when it comes to pride, we’re catching up. And today, well, we're about to turn up the volume! My heart’s full of glitter, my tutu's ready, and my disco boots are about to stomp this cobblestone right into a 70s disco wonderland.
For anyone not familiar, let me just tell you, Barrow’s not the place that instantly pops into mind when you think 'pride.' But I say, ‘the more the merrier!’ We might have shipyard docks instead of fancy shops, but let me tell you, the hearts of the folks in Barrow are the real treasure, and they're all ready to celebrate. It’s about creating a safe space, celebrating our diversity and having a blooming good time! And with the way the weather’s been lately, it looks like a day perfect for parades!
This morning I got my tutu on early – because, darling, one just has to make a grand entrance, you know? I love it. I absolutely love it. It makes me feel like I can take on the world and even, maybe, tackle those pesky hills around the town!
Of course, this is no ordinary tutu, my darlings. No, no, it's custom made - and the color? Let's just say Barbie wishes she was in my tutu. It's the most fabulous shade of hot pink with the lightest touch of sparkle that catches the light in every possible way, even when it's cloudy.
After all, Pride is not just a celebration of who you love, it's also about self-expression. If that means strutting your stuff in a dazzling tutu – go for it! Be your true fabulous self and get out there and show your colours!
Honestly, I felt a little anxious this morning about putting the tutu on. In Barrow, the more adventurous fashion sense has always involved... let’s just say 'slightly more practical’ clothing choices! But then I reminded myself that we’re all about changing things up – challenging the status quo and rocking what we want to rock, right? I am just ready to take to the streets and unleash a little bit of sparkle on this lovely town. Because if Barrow can ship these gigantic boats around the world, then it can also celebrate diversity with the most amazing glitter and sparkle, and some absolutely legendary Pride dancing!
There's an incredible energy buzzing in the air – everyone is out in full force: kids dressed in rainbows, parents cheering, businesses decked out in pride colours. It's amazing. I actually walked past this sweet little cake shop a few minutes ago, and guess what? The window display is a rainbow cake! Absolutely adorable.
So many people in Barrow have embraced the true spirit of the day. My local chippy even had rainbow chips on sale – brilliant, isn't it?! And while they're delicious, there's no question they pale in comparison to the excitement swirling around in the town centre right now!
The stage is set, the music's pumping, and a few dancers are doing some impromptu practice moves. Honestly, the music's already making me want to move! The stage is a vision of colour – with a banner that says ‘Barrow in Furness Pride’, and I just know this is just the start. From the tutus to the music, everything's just perfect. We have drag queen performers, spoken word poets, local bands playing everything from funky blues to glam rock. And best of all? They all share a message of acceptance, love, and celebrating our differences!
As the countdown begins to the parade starting, there's a growing sense of anticipation – all the anticipation in the world, but mixed with a feeling of true joy. People are gathering around, kids are getting excited and all the energy's coming together for an epic performance!
This parade isn’t just about a visual spectacle, darling, it’s about so much more. It’s about seeing so many families and couples with kids from all backgrounds. This event has brought the whole town together to support each other, and it's inspiring. I'm really happy to see all ages coming together, with everyone wearing smiles – from grannies sporting a rainbow ribbon on their walker to toddlers dressed up in little pride flag tutus! And let me tell you, the tutus – everyone’s wearing them! This is exactly the vibe I was hoping for! And as I watch this diverse and inclusive group marching towards the centre of town, I can’t help but think, ‘This is truly beautiful.’ We are making history here today in Barrow.
There are people carrying signs with messages of love, acceptance and inclusion. Some are chanting slogans for the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere's just buzzing! It's the sort of atmosphere that makes you feel empowered and safe. We can stand up and say with proud voices, ‘We are here. We are queer. We are proud.’
I spotted one sign that really caught my eye: "You Belong." I know it's a simple phrase, but there's so much meaning packed in those three words. I couldn't help but smile - a true moment of affirmation in a sea of celebration and positive energy. This parade, the community coming together in the streets of Barrow - it's a sign that things are changing for the better!
As the parade makes its way down the main road, there’s a collective sigh of delight – and some incredible music coming from the marching band. It’s a mix of classical, disco and rock – the soundtrack to a totally fabulous parade and a symbol of inclusivity in our vibrant community! As I see the joy and the dancing, and watch the kids running with colourful flags, my own tutu twirls with a bit more flourish. The people in this community are truly showing everyone what Pride is all about: It's a celebration of love, acceptance, and everyone coming together in all their colourful glory!
The highlight of the day, at least for me, is when the dancing starts! It’s what makes all this sparkly celebration worthwhile. You’d think the parade would’ve exhausted me, but nothing gets me going like a good dose of dance music. I love it when the disco beats kick in. I can't help but unleash a few twirls, and pretty soon, I'm dancing alongside others! I think we are all here, on the dance floor, united by a common love for freedom, acceptance, and of course, the infectious energy of a disco-infused celebration!
As the night sets in and the dancing keeps on, the feeling of community in the air thickens. Barrow has truly found its sparkle! We’ve shown the world that Pride isn't just about parades or parties – it's about embracing differences and building a better future for everyone.
I'll leave you all with this: Pride isn't just one day a year – it's something we live every day. And that means celebrating the love, beauty, and resilience of every member of our community. Go on, join in the joy. Let your own fabulous colours shine through! We’re all connected by a shared need for kindness, love, and acceptance. So keep spreading that love – wear your own rainbow colours, twirl your own way to pride. Remember: Be Bold, Be Loud, and most importantly, Be You!
And to all the lovely folks in Barrow – we are just getting started, and there is much to celebrate! See you all next year in our tutus, rocking the rainbow colours, and raising our voices loud and clear!
Tutuesday #TutuPride #BarrowPride #LGBTQPlus #BeYourTrueSelf #PrideInBarrow