Blackburn: Where Pink Tutus Meet the Northern Lights! (Post #303)
Hello, my darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-tastic queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, back with another adventure! Buckle up, because today's journey is going to be as dazzling as a sequin-studded tutu under a disco ball!
Blackburn, Lancashire: A Breathtakingly Pink Escape!
Now, I'm not going to lie, when I saw the date on the calendar, my heart fluttered with a blend of excitement and sheer glee. 29th October, darling? It’s a date that only screams one thing – a weekend in Blackburn, baby!
My trip to Blackburn was all about embracing a vibrant city with a history as rich as a tapestry woven with the finest silk! As I took my usual, oh-so-stylish journey aboard the trusty old train – (did I tell you, darling, that I love train travel? It's just so charming, don't you think?) – I couldn't shake the anticipation in my tulle-wrapped toes. I knew Blackburn would be a delightful departure from the usual routine.
Blackburn is an absolute darling, all cobbled streets, cosy cafes, and charming pubs where the locals sip ale and tell their best stories. But don't be fooled, my dears! Underneath this quaint charm beats the heart of a dynamic, bustling town brimming with an abundance of culture.
Ballet under the Blackburn Lanterns!
My first port of call in this magical city was a stunning ballet performance at the esteemed Blackburn Theatre. The stage was a dream come true - a canvas for ethereal movement and captivating grace. As I watched the dancers pirouette and arabesque with flawless elegance, my own tutu practically itched to be unleashed! I'm telling you, the dancers were absolutely sensational – I could almost feel my own pink tulle whispering in admiration. I’m sure they didn’t mind me standing in the back rows whispering in between dances, "Darling, the port de bras are impeccable! Oh, those leaps, so effortless!”
Fashion-forward Finds!
Now, we all know I can't visit a new city without checking out its boutiques and vintage stores! Blackburn did not disappoint. It turns out, there is this amazing shop in the town square called ‘Little Miss Tutu’, and it's filled with treasures like tulle skirts in every shade of pink imaginable! Oh, you have no idea, darling, I came home with more than just a few tulle skirts – I couldn't help myself. Just imagine a bright bubblegum pink, a shimmering pastel blush, a vintage powder pink - swoon! They'd be jealous at the lab, let me tell you.
Blackburn's Charm – More Than a Pink Tutu's Tale!
But it wasn't all about tutus and shopping, although that is my life’s true purpose, after all, you know, spreading the joy of the pink tutu! Blackburn also boasts some fantastic sights that just scream ‘Pink Tutu Sparkles – snap a picture, darling!’
First, let me tell you about the beautiful Blackburn Cathedral, all towering stained glass windows and Gothic architecture. It was simply magical! It’s truly worth the visit just to gaze up at its spires. My dear, my little heart practically skipped a beat in that glorious building. It made me think about the power of creation, how the love for beauty, fashion, ballet, and science, well, it’s all part of something truly wonderful. You could call it the ‘Pink Tutu Sparkles connection’ – just follow my posts and you’ll discover it for yourselves.
Then there’s the award-winning Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery. Not only are their collections absolutely brilliant - there was an exhibition about the Victorian period and all its gorgeous fashion, darling, just beautiful – but it’s in a fabulous, old building with beautiful architecture. A classic Blackburn must-see!
Oh, darling, and let's not forget the delectable street food market. I sampled so many tasty treats - a perfect mix of global delights, fresh local produce, and a dash of delightful ‘pink tutu vibes’. That was something very special to me, you see – Blackburn embraced its heritage whilst remaining open to the new. There was such a friendly atmosphere amongst the stalls. You can feel the love the locals have for their home town.
And speaking of loving one’s home town, well, darling, the highlight of my trip was spending an afternoon in the local park with the children. You won’t believe it but a little boy said that the colour of his favourite crayon is ‘Pink Tutu Sparkles Pink’. My heart swelled with pride and the sheer joy of it all. It really was so magical.
A Final Flounce
Well, darling, this is the end of this week’s travelogue. It’s a long time since I’ve gone on a little solo trip and the Blackburn trip has completely rekindled my wanderlust. I love what I do. You may think a life of a drag artist, travelling around, living in my glamorous tutus, isn't a real career, that it's just about pretty costumes. It's much more than that. It's a platform to be me, to empower others, and to spread a bit of glitter and glamour along the way. And trust me, darling, every single pink tutu I wear makes the world a more dazzling place, one sparkling step at a time.
And who knows, darling? You might see me on your street, one day soon! You never know where Pink Tutu Sparkles will turn up next.
Keep shining, stay sparkly, and keep those pink tutus on,
Pink Tutu Sparkles x