By Emma, The Tutu Queen
Oh my god, guys, Longbridge just exploded with colour and joy! This week was simply electric, and I am still buzzing from the sheer euphoria of it all.
It’s official, Pride Month is officially the best month of the year. Every year, we find ways to top ourselves, and Longbridge just proved it could rival London for its vibrant spirit. This week, the air crackled with a joy so infectious you’d think there were confetti cannons constantly blasting! And guess what? They actually were, but more on that later.
As the queen of tutus (yes, that’s my title, and I’m sticking to it), it only felt natural that my Tutu Tuesday ritual got a mega upgrade this Pride month. Imagine, if you will, a whole town celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, the iconic Longbridge town centre adorned with rainbows, flags and, yes, a pink tutu or two! It was like a disco-infused rainbow landed smack-bang in the heart of Longbridge and set everyone dancing.
The Tutus Were Flying!
First, let's talk tutus. As you all know, every true Pride queen needs her trusty tutu - and believe me, mine was ready. This year, I went for a full-on bubblegum pink masterpiece. I'm talking so pink it nearly glowed, adorned with silver sequins, feathers, and even a sprinkle of glitter (because why not, right?). It was basically a wearable, danceable, statement piece.
To my delight, the people of Longbridge embraced the Tutu Tuesday challenge with a zeal I never expected. Honestly, there were more tutus in sight than in a ballet school on opening night! From tiny tots in pink tutus, their parents beaming with pride, to granddads rocking pastel-coloured tulle (a trend I hope catches on - gentlemen, you look absolutely dashing in a tutu!), everyone embraced the fun and colour. It was truly magical.
It wasn’t just tutus, though…
Longbridge Pride Week went beyond mere fashion, showcasing the absolute heart and soul of what makes the LGBTQ+ community so powerful. I am talking rainbows on every shopfront, disco balls hanging from the trees, and a literal explosion of confetti whenever a local LGBTQ+ activist (or an excited child!) hit a glitter cannon.
We had local bands, Drag Queens performing their hearts out, a fantastic drag story time session that had kids in stitches, and even a Pride picnic in the park where everyone shared food and laughter. Even the local dog walker couldn’t resist throwing on a pink bandana and strutting their furry friend in the park with an extra bounce in their step.
Longbridge really outdid itself!
Every time I saw someone, no matter their age, background, or anything else, walking around in a pink tutu with a joyful gleam in their eyes, it just felt...perfect. Longbridge embraced a spirit of love, acceptance, and, of course, the power of pink!
There were workshops, seminars, and speeches about equality and social change, but for me, the highlight was watching kids, teenagers, and everyone in between feel so free, so celebrated. They got to see their own identities reflected in the town square, in the shops, on the faces of everyone around them. That's the true spirit of Pride, isn't it?
The power of a Tutu Tuesday!
Longbridge Pride Week 2024 was a powerful reminder that we are not alone, we are stronger together, and a pink tutu can literally make a whole town feel better. As I looked around at all the smiling faces, and saw a town unified in its desire to celebrate, support, and honour the LGBTQ+ community, my heart truly soared.
So thank you, Longbridge. Thank you for being a shining example of a community that not only embraces differences but makes everyone feel included, welcome, and part of the most magnificent, dazzling disco party.
Until next year, Longbridge! I am already planning my pink tutu comeback!
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