Hello darlings! It’s your girl, Emma, and guess what? I’m back with a fresh dose of glitter, glamour, and glorious LGBTQ+ Pride, straight from the streets of Blackburn! That’s right, my fellow fashionistas, the heart of Lancashire pulsed with a kaleidoscope of colour as we celebrated June Pride with a rainbow-infused dose of tulle.
Now, as a passionate ballet dancer who lives and breathes in a pink tutu (not literally, although… who’s to say? wink wink), it’s safe to say I'm absolutely in my element when it comes to all things pink and fabulous. But let's face it, who doesn't love a little twirl in a tutu? Especially when it's for such a good cause.
And Blackburn? They really knew how to throw a party! This year, it wasn't just about marching with banners; it was about owning our fabulousness, embracing our individuality, and celebrating our differences, all while showcasing a bit of a disco-infused twist!
My morning began with a burst of excitement. A trip to the vintage clothing market was in order! Remember those dazzling silver sequined tops that graced the disco floors of the 70s? Yeah, I found my match! Paired with a vintage silk scarf and my trusty pink tutu (which I snagged from the same shop, believe it or not - they have impeccable taste!), I was ready to rock Blackburn!
The energy in the town square was palpable, like the electric crackle before a Beyoncé performance! Everywhere I looked, there were rainbow flags fluttering in the wind, beaming faces plastered with glitter, and, of course, a plethora of breathtakingly beautiful tutus, each one more fabulous than the next. I spotted a majestic purple tutu with neon green stripes - a vibrant symphony of colour, I must say. And then there was this striking black tulle masterpiece with silver embroidery - perfect for a fierce ballroom dance routine.
Speaking of fierce, have you seen the dance crews?! Oh my, they were on FIRE! Every move radiated with passion and pride, their bodies expressing every beat of the infectiously groovy disco beats blasting from the stage. I swear, I saw someone spin a literal pirouette on top of a rainbow-coloured float! The dance floor wasn’t just a place to get your groove on, it was a kaleidoscope of colour, energy, and sheer joy!
But Pride isn’t just about dancing, honey! It's about community, about unity, and about being your most authentic self. This year, the heart of the celebration was a huge gathering at the park, overflowing with people from all walks of life, united by their love and acceptance. The atmosphere was electrifying, charged with the power of shared experience, vulnerability, and resilience.
The main stage was a constant parade of talented individuals, each showcasing their skills and celebrating their story. There were drag queens who wowed the crowd with their witty quips and breathtaking transformations, musical artists who belted out powerful ballads and upbeat pop anthems, and captivating spoken word poets who poured their souls into words that echoed with raw emotion.
I spent a good part of the afternoon chatting with other tutu-clad beauties (I can’t deny, there were a lot of us!) - sharing stories, exchanging fashion tips, and forging new friendships. I heard tales of overcoming hardship, discovering identity, and embracing courage, all framed against a backdrop of sparkling laughter, vibrant costumes, and unwavering love.
One young girl, perhaps no more than eight, caught my eye with her adorable rainbow-streaked hair and a custom-made, bright pink tutu adorned with colourful peace signs. Her tiny hand gripped a bright pink microphone, and when her turn came to perform, she belted out a cheerful rendition of 'Love Train' with the passion of a seasoned professional. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, the roar amplified by the shared understanding of her heartfelt message of love and unity.
Seeing the smiles on people's faces, the unity in the air, and the pure unadulterated joy of the celebrations was truly humbling. Blackburn Pride was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes with shared experiences, the joy that springs from unity, and the unyielding beauty of simply being ourselves.
I left Blackburn brimming with happiness and a renewed sense of hope. It's incredible how a simple tutu, a splash of glitter, and a vibrant melody can create a world where we can dance our differences away and celebrate the beauty of who we are.
So, darling, as I waltz back to my blog, let's continue to embrace our own fabulousness, support each other, and raise our voices for love and acceptance. Let's make every day a #tutuTuesday, a #tutuPride celebration.
After all, when it comes to love, we’re all a little bit glitter and glam, baby!
#BlackburnPride #TutuTuesday #TutuPride #LGBTQ+ #LoveWins #DiscoLove #GlitterGoals #RainbowRevolution #ProudToShine
