By Emma, the Pink Tutu Princess
Hello darlings! Your favourite tutu-wearing, disco-loving blogger is back with a story that'll make your heart do a pirouette! This past June, Wellingborough was awash in a sea of colour, but it wasn't just any colour – it was PINK! Yep, you read that right, Wellingborough turned it out for Pride month, and guess who was in the thick of it? Your girl, Emma, in a pink tutu, naturally. 😉
As someone who wholeheartedly believes that a little bit of glitter can go a long way (and who always thinks about the next time she can don a tutu), I was beyond thrilled when I saw the plans for Wellingborough's Pride celebration. The theme this year was 'Shine Bright' and, well, that's basically my life motto, isn't it? So, of course, I had to find the perfect pink tutu to sparkle in. And sparkle I did!
From the moment I arrived at the market square, the atmosphere was electric. The music was pumping, there were stalls overflowing with rainbows, and people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities were radiating joy. It felt like the whole town had come together to celebrate the beautiful tapestry of our community, and that's something that fills me with a genuine sense of happiness.
My day started off with a workshop at the Town Hall, run by local dance teacher, Sarah. It was called 'Pride Dance' and was a blast! Sarah taught us all sorts of fun, inclusive routines, inspired by classic disco moves, with a touch of modern flair. Everyone was laughing, sweating, and learning new steps. The energy in the room was just phenomenal. And honestly, did I mention that everyone was in a fantastic mood? Well, they were!
After the workshop, I grabbed some delicious vegan snacks from one of the many local food vendors, had a quick photo op in the 'Rainbow Selfie Wall', and then it was time for the main event - the parade!
The Pride Parade: A Sea of Love and Glitter
The parade was, without a doubt, the highlight of the day. The crowds lined the streets, waving rainbow flags, clapping, and cheering. The atmosphere was infectious – a real celebration of love and acceptance. It felt like everyone was swept up in the wave of positivity, and the sheer number of smiling faces was heart-warming.
The parade was a spectacle of colour and creativity, with floats decked out in rainbows, giant inflatable rainbows, and, of course, a group of amazing drag queens (who else would rock a feather boa better than a drag queen?!).
There were a bunch of marching bands playing catchy tunes, groups of dancers performing intricate routines, and, to my delight, a troupe of acrobats performing some pretty incredible feats in the air. It was a feast for the eyes and the ears.
I was surrounded by a beautiful community of LGBTQ+ folks, their allies, and just all round wonderful people, united by the desire to celebrate diversity and equality. We were a symphony of acceptance, love, and kindness, a melody that echoed across the cobblestone streets of Wellingborough.
The Festival and the Disco Ball:
The parade led us all to the festival, which took over the market square. This was a giant, rainbow-tastic party. It had live music stages, food stalls, information booths, workshops, and a giant, dazzling disco ball, shining like a beacon of acceptance and light.
The musical line-up was incredible – we had everything from local acoustic singers, a funky blues band, and even a couple of rock bands with impressive stage presence. There were so many talented performers showcasing their creativity and passion, and the atmosphere was full of excitement.
My absolute favourite part, however, was the disco ball! Oh, the sheer glamour and energy radiating from that gleaming sphere was magical. As the DJ dropped the beats, people were dancing under its hypnotic shimmer. I even caught myself, in the middle of all the chaos and fun, grabbing my friend’s hand, twirling her around, and singing along to ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’! It was the ultimate testament to the power of good music and a little bit of glitter.
A Reflection on a Colourful Day:
This year’s Wellingborough Pride wasn’t just a celebration; it was a message. A message of hope, love, and the unwavering belief in a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and accepted. It was a message of solidarity, a message that echoed through the streets of Wellingborough, carried on the vibrant wings of rainbows, the melodic notes of disco music, and the heart-warming energy of the whole community.
But this is a message that needs to be heard not just in Wellingborough, but in every corner of the world. Because equality shouldn’t be a special event, it should be a daily commitment.
So, as I dust off my glitter and put away my tutu, my heart is filled with joy and pride for the people of Wellingborough, for their commitment to love, diversity, and creating a community where everyone feels welcome. And I’ll leave you with this: whether you're dancing in a pink tutu or just enjoying a slice of rainbow cake, never be afraid to shine bright and embrace the beauty of diversity. Because in the end, we are all just humans, with a common desire to be loved and accepted.
#tututuesday #tutupride #wellingboroughpride #wellingborough #pride2024 #lgbtqplus #loveislove
Until next time, darlings! 💖💃
