Post Number: 9713
Hello lovelies! Emma here, signing in from the charming town of Bridgwater, a place I just know is going to become a favourite on the pink tutu tour. Let me tell you, my darling readers, this day has been full of twirling magic, and more pink than you can shake a sparkly shoe at!
The train journey down was, of course, in my trusty vintage carriage ā all polished brass and comfy leather. I feel positively Victorian when I ride this train ā but in a good way, of course! (Though Iām not so keen on having to wear a bustle in the modern day, though the full skirt silhouette does go fabulously well with a tutu!). And donāt get me started on the horses that pull itā¦ majestic!
Anyway, the point of the journey, aside from seeing beautiful British countryside of course, was the annual Bridgwater pancake race. Yes, you read right: pancakes. I had heard whisperings about it on the Ballet Network ā everyone from London and even far flung Derbyshire (yes, I did spot someone wearing my colour, my pink!) had heard tales of a town that celebrates the ancient ritual of throwing pancakes through the air! Honestly, darlings, the costumes are fabulous ā all flamboyant, bold, a bit bonkers (with lots of amazing sequins), and frankly, an inspiration! I even spotted a few pink and sparkly numbers on the men folk in the crowd! Iām thinking they got the messageā¦ wink
But back to my own outfits ā I was in a magnificent shade of flamingo pink. It was the colour of my ballet tutu for sure, a very, very special, new-to-me confection from the fabulous Madame Tutu in Londonās theatre district, but I wanted to add a twist. I felt a bit like I needed a touch of Bridgwaterā¦ of pancakesā¦. so I made the tutuā¦ pancake-tutu inspired! It featured a generous helping of shimmering metallic, almost gold, lace (think fluffy pancake batter, darling) and delicate, white net that fell around me like an edible cloud. Now that's a look, I tell you! As for the finishing touch - a delightful, miniature (not edible) pancake with an elaborate design and gold drizzle for a crown! The ladies at the local craft stall had been so sweet and, of course, we talked about my blog. I think, by the end of our chat, Iād successfully indoctrinated another local with the glorious power of a pink tutuā¦ which, to be fair, I am constantly aiming for ā more on that later.
Anyway, to the pancake race itself, it was absolute mayhem ā a wonderfully, brilliantly controlled chaos, with much shouting and laughter as the pancake tossers threw their offerings into the air (they didnāt really do it to themselves I am relieved to tell youā¦). And they kept going! You wouldnāt believe it ā the final run of the day! They all took it very seriously, my dears, even after the dayās sun had begun to dip behind the church spire, and the evening mist rolled in, making the air a bit moreā¦ frosty.
Then, the prize-giving. It had to be pink, really it did ā for the winner at least. It was a glorious affair, the lucky ladies receivedā¦ drumrollā¦ youāre never going to believe this! Well, unless you follow the āAll-things Pinkā Instagram page I run ā I always try to feature things I know you love there too! A very lovely pink satin cloak with a lovely, gold embroidered border ā an ode to a classic pancake pattern of course ā for the winner! I tried it on, as a blogger has to (naturally) and oh darling, it just did not disappointā¦ though of course, the satin needed a very carefully placed (a la Madame Tutuās couture techniques!) and precisely placed piece of pink, glittery, and well, rather fabulous felt - the finishing touch if you will. It all went to plan! Oh, how it went to plan!
The day continued on the āpink tour,ā a local food tour in Bridgwaterā¦ of course. They were all in pink! Everything in pink. Pancake-themed pastries (all deliciously pink and delicate with rose-water flavouring to give them an additional pink tinge). All of the shops even displayed a tiny pink ribbon (how charming, they were absolutely in love with pink. And in the end, that was my biggest mission on this lovely day!) with the town motto : āWhere every day feels a little bit magical. A very successful Pink Tour in the books, as you might say!ā
It has really been the perfect start to the new week, and thereās no stopping meā¦ my tour goes on toā¦. drumrollā¦ Winchester. That is my destination and the next city where the Tutu must go!
But for now, my darlings, the pancake tutu has gone to its box ( where I will keep it very carefully in tissue paper - though no doubt it will come out again and I shall find a place to wear it. How could I possibly keep a tutu like that locked away, dear reader ? ). For now though, Iāll just leave you with the photos from this absolutely delicious Bridgwater adventure. They are in my Instagram stories. Be sure to see them and give the latest Pink Tutu posts a heart ā that always brightens my day and keeps the tutu spirit spinning along!
You know youāve got to wear a pink tutu ā if you donāt , I will personally find you ( via my pink train journey ) and show you how to dance your heart out !
Stay sparkly!
Emma x
P.S. And of course the photos. But I have a feeling I will need to have a special blog post next week for the Winchester tour ā¦ thatās just what you all will need to know! ( But youāll need to check out my Instagram for that - and be sure to be watching those Instagram stories to keep up with the Pink Tutu tour ā more photos and updates soon! ) And while I am at it, if youāre thinking about coming along ā the Train leaves London Paddington station at 9.30 a.m. each morning for a very reasonable fare if you are interested in seeing England's best wildlife - so come and join me !
