Hey loves! Emma here, ready to spread some sparkle and joy with my latest blog post – a wholly pink, totally fabulous account of my time at Colchester's Pride event!
Honestly, let's talk about tutus. It’s #tututuesday every day for me, but it feels extra special when I get to strut my stuff for such a brilliant cause! And let me tell you, this past Pride weekend was an absolute dream for a tutu-loving, disco-dancing girl like me.
Colchester’s Pride vibe was just pure electricity this year. The whole town was awash in rainbows, and the atmosphere was so infectiously joyful, it almost made me burst into tears (but thankfully, only a little mascara smudging!). I arrived in full regalia: a shimmering pink tutu (of course!), a neon pink feather boa for good measure, and sparkly silver shoes to complete the look. After all, when in doubt, just add glitter!
Now, if you’ve ever witnessed me trying to navigate a crowded pub while wearing a fluffy, multi-layered tulle skirt, you'll understand the challenge of finding a bathroom. However, even the struggle for bathroom access was made less arduous by the incredible energy radiating from everyone around me. Smiles, laughs, and happy chatter filled the air. People from all walks of life came together, all wearing their colours with pride. There were drag queens strutting their stuff, rainbow flags flying high, and so much joy in the air, it was literally electric!
I loved seeing families with young children enjoying the festivities. It was so inspiring to see the message of acceptance being passed on to the next generation. Even the kids had rainbows on their faces and LGBTQ+ slogans emblazoned on their clothing. They all embraced the celebrations with infectious enthusiasm. There was a sense of genuine joy and camaraderie, making Colchester Pride feel like a massive party thrown by a truly wonderful group of people!
One of the highlights was the fabulous parade, a sea of colours and happy faces. Watching it was a magical experience, even just being on the sidelines! From the back of a dazzlingly-decorated, flower-filled truck, I felt the energy of the entire community converge on the street, a real mix of cultures and backgrounds united in their acceptance. It was truly inspiring, not just because it was a colourful and fabulous procession, but because it symbolized hope. It showed that we can come together and celebrate our differences, and stand in solidarity with everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It reminded me of all the powerful messages about equality and respect that the LGBTQ+ community has fought tirelessly for.
I even met some fellow tutu enthusiasts along the way! Imagine my delight! A group of young girls spotted me in my pink fluffiness and ran over, giggling. They even got their mums to buy them rainbow-colored tutus. It made me realize that the spirit of inclusivity extends to all ages. The little girls were genuinely enthralled by my ensemble. They weren't shy about their adoration – one little girl even gave me a hug, while another said I looked like a "fairy princess" - what a compliment, right?! It brought tears to my eyes. I feel that being ourselves, embracing who we are, and celebrating those differences is crucial for shaping a future that's kind, understanding, and inclusive.
As the sun started to set, the atmosphere shifted from pure celebration to a vibe more relaxed, almost meditative. I found myself captivated by a spoken word performance, delivered with such raw passion that it almost stole the breath from my lungs. Their words resonated so deeply, sharing stories about struggles, triumphs, and the search for identity – something we all share, in a way. This shared experience – feeling the emotion behind these stories – made the day's events even more powerful, because it brought the movement down to a very personal level. It highlighted how everyone's individual journey toward self-acceptance is so vital.
The day ended with a massive party in the main square, with local bands and DJs taking to the stage. I was blown away by the level of talent. But more importantly, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. People danced, sang along to familiar tunes, and genuinely enjoyed each other's company. Even as I watched, I got pulled into the rhythm, my tutu swirling as I twirled, joining the energy and camaraderie of the night.
It felt incredible to be surrounded by so much positivity and good vibes! There was a sense of shared joy, relief, and maybe even a touch of awe as we witnessed the triumph of diversity, inclusion, and celebrating everyone for who they truly are. It's a reminder that despite all the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, hope still shines bright, and love still prevails.
It's definitely something I'll remember for a long time – and it goes without saying that my pink tutu has never felt more at home!
tututuesday #tutupride #pride #colchesterpride #lgbtq #loveislove #rainbownation #positivevibes #dance #glitter #featherboa #communityNow, tell me what YOU wore to your local Pride event – share your amazing looks with me on Insta!
