2024 June Pride Month in a Pink Tutu in Dunstable

Hello my gorgeous dancers and fellow glitterati! It’s Emma, your resident pink-tutu enthusiast, back with another fabulous update from the ever-evolving world of style and inclusivity. This week, I’m bringing you all the sparkle from a truly special day – Dunstable's June Pride celebration.

Now, if you know me, you know pink is my thing, and my wardrobe is chock-full of twirly tutus. So, what better way to celebrate the diversity and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community than by rocking a hot pink tutu at Pride? It's a resounding YES from me!

The air crackled with energy and joy as we assembled at the town square, ready to paint Dunstable pink (and all the rainbow colours, too!) A vibrant mosaic of people gathered – from the youngest generation to those who have bravely been fighting for LGBTQ+ rights since the very beginning. It was a beautiful testament to the generations-long struggle and, most importantly, the unstoppable march towards a future where love and acceptance reign supreme.

Let’s rewind a little. My morning started with the most dazzling sunrise – a clear blue sky sprinkled with playful, fluffy clouds – it was the perfect visual metaphor for the day that lay ahead. My tutu of choice, naturally, was a shimmering pink confection that wouldn’t be out of place in a glamorous disco (more on the disco vibe later). I topped it off with a glittery rainbow bandana and my trusty feather boa (always gotta add a touch of playful drama, right?). The final touch was a sparkling, rainbow makeup look – because, why not celebrate our unique colours in every way we can!

The Pride festivities kicked off with a joyous parade through the town. It was an exhilarating burst of colour, sound, and love, with families, friends, and local community groups all joining in with unwavering enthusiasm. The atmosphere was electric – you could feel the joy radiating outwards, embracing everyone around.

Then, it was time for the Main Event – Dunstable Pride's legendary Disco Ball! A massive tent was erected, decked out with a disco ball so huge it practically mirrored the moon, and music pumping at just the right volume to set our hearts and feet dancing. The DJs spun tracks that took us on a sonic trip through disco classics – from the soulful grooves of Donna Summer to the infectious rhythms of The Bee Gees. Everyone was on the dance floor, losing themselves in the music, and celebrating freedom, self-expression, and being exactly who we are, together!

And there were the inspiring speeches! The mayor of Dunstable, who happens to be a fabulous, out and proud gentleman, shared his heartfelt message about the importance of celebrating inclusivity and fighting for equality. We heard moving stories from LGBTQ+ individuals who shared their journeys of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of love. It was truly moving and left me feeling deeply connected to our community.

But the day wasn’t just about speeches and dancing. It was also about supporting our local businesses and vendors. There were stalls selling everything from rainbow merchandise to handmade crafts, and the scent of delicious food wafted through the air, adding another layer of joyous sensory overload. It was clear that Pride wasn’t just a one-day celebration; it was an opportunity for businesses, organisations, and individuals to showcase their commitment to inclusion.

Throughout the day, I found myself meeting such fantastic people, and engaging in countless heartwarming conversations about all things pink, tutus, and, of course, pride. I learned about local initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ community, discovered new ways to show my own support, and made some wonderful new friends.

Speaking of friendships, I wouldn’t be true to myself (or my tutu!) if I didn't dedicate a paragraph to my amazing troupe of tutu-wearing dancers. There’s something magical about twirling around in your finest tutu, surrounded by other fabulous humans all celebrating love, acceptance, and the joy of expressing yourself.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in fiery hues, the crowd erupted into a final, joyful sing-along to a medley of iconic disco hits. We danced, we laughed, we celebrated, and we reminded ourselves and the world that love is always in fashion!

It was truly an unforgettable experience, one that I'll treasure forever. Pride events, especially with a dash of pink and a sprinkle of tutu magic, are always a reminder that we're stronger together, that we're all in this beautiful journey of life, and that we must continue to champion love and acceptance in all its vibrant and wondrous forms.

To sum it all up, here are a few of my key takeaways from Dunstable Pride 2024, beautifully encapsulated in hashtags that truly capture the spirit of the day:

And, if you’re planning to join any Pride celebrations in your local community, I encourage you to step into a fabulous tutu. Why not rock your inner pink and be the dazzling beacon of pride that you are!