Hello gorgeous peeps! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and champion of all things fabulous! It’s officially Pride Month, and North Shields is definitely living up to its reputation as a place where everyone can be themselves, celebrate their fabulousness, and rock a killer tutu! 😉
I’m so excited to be back in my beloved North Shields, where the vibe is always buzzing and the community spirit is simply contagious. This year, I was especially looking forward to Pride – not just because I love a good excuse to dust off my favorite pink tutu, but because it’s a time for us to celebrate our differences, stand up for each other, and make some serious noise for love and acceptance.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of everything pink. It’s bold, playful, and screams "look at me, I'm confident and unafraid to shine!" So, when I saw that the North Shields Pride committee was throwing a special “Pink Tutu Tuesday” event, I knew I had to get involved. The call for everyone to rock a tutu, pink or otherwise, was met with enthusiasm, and boy, did everyone deliver!
As I strolled down the bustling streets, I felt like I was walking into a kaleidoscope of colours, joy, and a touch of glitter. From teenagers sporting bright, frilly tutus with glitter that seemed to practically teleport onto bystanders, to seasoned Pride veterans channeling their inner ballerina in flowy, tulle masterpieces – the sight was just… pure magic.
But it wasn’t just the visual spectacle that made this Pink Tutu Tuesday so special. There was an unspoken camaraderie, an invisible thread connecting us all through the shared language of love, acceptance, and, of course, a shared passion for a fabulous tutu.
The event itself was packed with all sorts of incredible activities, showcasing the vibrant heart and soul of North Shields. There were drag performances that were absolutely electric, with queens in fabulous outfits delivering lip sync battles that were a total blast to watch. It felt like stepping into a high-energy, inclusive disco party that never ended.
Speaking of music, the tunes on the main stage were absolutely phenomenal! DJ "Queen Bee" belted out some disco classics that had the entire crowd grooving – it was pure nostalgia with a modern twist. Everyone was singing, dancing, and radiating pure joy.
Beyond the dancefloor, the local community was showing up in full force. There were stands set up showcasing incredible artwork, photography, and jewellery crafted with such artistry and heart. A few steps away, the aroma of delicious homemade treats wafting through the air from a stall overflowing with cakes, cookies, and rainbow-colored macarons. The stallholders were not only incredibly talented but also a delightful bunch, always happy to share a smile and chat with visitors.
The day wouldn’t be complete without the heart-warming parade that wound its way through the town centre. This was where the real magic unfolded. The parade was filled with individuals and groups from all walks of life – young and old, families, LGBTQ+ activists, and businesses, all proudly waving rainbows, glitter flags, and, of course, showcasing those awesome tutus! The energy was incredible, everyone was smiling, and the message was loud and clear: We stand together, and love is love!
For a brief moment, it felt like all the struggles, challenges, and prejudice faced by the LGBTQ+ community simply faded into the background. We were all united by a shared joy, love, and a sense of belonging. It was an unforgettable moment, reminding me of the immense power of coming together and celebrating our shared humanity.
While Pink Tutu Tuesday was a spectacular celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, it was also a wonderful opportunity for the community to embrace the joy of self-expression. Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds confidently strutting in their fabulous tutus was a heartwarming reminder that embracing individuality is what truly makes us beautiful and powerful.
Now, for my fellow fashionistas, you’re probably wondering where to get the perfect pink tutu for next year’s Pride! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here are a few of my favourite places to find the ultimate tutu:
DIY Queen: Crafting your own tutu is not only a fun activity but allows you to customize your look completely. Find tulle fabric in different colours and lengths, some ribbon, a sewing machine, and boom, you’ve got a personal tutu creation!
Local Boutiques: Sometimes, the most beautiful finds come from local, independent boutiques. Support local businesses and their dedication to providing unique fashion finds!
Online Marketplaces: There's a world of colourful tutus waiting for you online! Etsy, eBay, and vintage clothing stores are great places to explore, with a massive selection to choose from.
Of course, the most important element is finding a tutu that makes you feel confident, fabulous, and empowered! It's all about celebrating you and your uniqueness!
To my fellow North Shields residents, and beyond, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for embracing Pride Month, and particularly, Pink Tutu Tuesday with so much joy, colour, and energy. We made magic happen, and let's keep that spirit going all year long!
Stay fabulous, stay connected, and most importantly, remember: you are loved, you are accepted, and you deserve to dance to the rhythm of your own heart!
#tututuesday #tutupride #northshields #loveislove #pridemonth2024
