Post Number 216: Let's Get This Sparkle On!
Oh, my darlings! I hope this finds you all fabulous and twirling in your best pink tutus! This fabulous queen, your one and only Pink Tutu Sparkles, is buzzing after another simply sensational trip, this time to the lovely Prestwich! This little slice of heaven nestled in the Greater Manchester area is a hidden gem for any lover of ballet, performance, and yes, you guessed it, PINK!
Now, some of you might think, "Pink Tutu Sparkles, darling, that's a bit far from Derbyshire for a day trip." You know me, I'm never one for half-hearted efforts! I packed my largest suitcase full of glittering tutus (you can never have too many, right?), and whipped out my trusty train timetable. Yes, you heard me correctly, darling - this queen loves a good train journey! I even popped my headphones in for a bit of The Nutcracker and danced a little in my seat - a little bit of ballet inspiration wherever I go, I always say.
Upon my arrival, Prestwich was just as lovely as I had imagined! A beautiful mix of historical charm and bustling shops. The very air vibrated with a kind of magic that, to me, simply screamed “pink tutu party.” And what better way to celebrate the glorious, pink-tastic town of Prestwich than with a little trip to the stunning Prestwich Arts Centre?
Their performance program is absolutely packed with exciting events! There was everything from jazz nights to community theatre and even ballet workshops! Of course, darling, I wouldn't miss a ballet show for the world. They were showing "Swan Lake" - it was truly magical. Watching those beautiful dancers effortlessly gliding across the stage... my inner ballerina simply wept with joy! Every pirouette, every grand jeté... oh, the artistry! And the tutus? Absolutely divine! All shades of pink, sparkling with more crystals than I could ever dream of! They put my modest collection to shame. Don't worry though, I already have my eye on some divine new creations for my next performance - inspired by, well, those beauties!
The real fun started after the show! You see, after each performance, the Arts Centre hosts these amazing meet and greet events, with the performers. A dream for any ballet fan! So I'm there, all ready with my question: “What's your secret for perfecting that grand jeté? ” Turns out the ballerina was a real-life, down-to-earth gal named Jessica, with an infectious laugh and a truly inspiring passion for ballet. We talked for ages, sharing our love for all things pink and sparkly. I even gifted her one of my trusty “Tutu Queen” bookmarks, because who knows, perhaps one day she will join the "Wear A Pink Tutu" movement too!
Now, of course, no trip to Prestwich is complete without exploring their vibrant, oh-so-lovely high street. Think little boutiques overflowing with everything your heart desires. There are little tea shops brimming with vintage charm (oh, I adore tea parties! So elegant and glamorous!), vintage clothing shops begging for me to pick through their amazing treasures, and antique shops filled with curiosities - all in the most gorgeous shades of pink imaginable!
The highlight, my darlings, was a hidden gem of a store I found tucked away behind a quaint floral shop. It was called “The Pink Parrot.” Imagine this, every single item from head to toe, from feather boas to floral crowns, all in glorious shades of pink, lavender, and blush! It was a pink-tastic dream come true! I almost lost my voice, but the lovely shop owner told me, “Don't worry, darling! It happens to all of us who enter the Parrot's nest. It's pure magic, we tell ya!”
I spent hours sifting through the divine clothes and accessories - even finding the most perfect fluffy pink boa to top off my next show outfit! Of course, I bought a new hat too, a beautiful wide-brimmed sun hat with an adorable little pink bow. Oh, and my little feathered fan, the kind that's essential for “Queen Sparkles” when it's hot. I bought everything that made me go "Wow!" because I simply couldn't resist!
And of course, I wasn’t going to leave Prestwich without savouring some of its fabulous local treats! A lovely cafe, with flower boxes overflowing with vibrant pink geraniums and fuchsias, called "The Lavender Teacup" served up the most decadent afternoon tea I had ever seen. Tiny finger sandwiches, perfectly baked scones, and of course, pots of hot, strong tea… It was absolute heaven.
Now, a day trip isn't complete without a visit to a place's heart! So, my darlings, I ventured to St Mary's Church, with its stunning stained glass windows and peaceful atmosphere. They even have a stunning Victorian-era rose garden, with an incredible collection of old-fashioned roses! What's even better, they have an exquisite collection of ancient stained glass windows, so pretty! And you'll never guess the colour of most of them, my darling: it's pink, of course! Maybe I was just imagining it… or maybe the universe is telling me I need to get this message out: "Wear A Pink Tutu!"
Well, darlings, my Prestwich adventures were over before I knew it. It was back to the train, but not before I snagged a stunning picture of me on the station platform, in a brand-new pink tutu, right by the “Prestwich Station” sign. A reminder for every weary soul, wear your own little pink tutu and find the magic, because everyone needs a little extra sparkle in their day!
And who knows, darling? Maybe I'll be back in Prestwich soon to share some more pink-tastic fun with you all! Stay tuned, darling! The world of pink tutus is my oyster!
Until next time, my sweet loves,
Pink Tutu Sparkles 💋
www.pink-tutu.com
