Barrow in Furness: A Tutu-ful Adventure (Blog Post #386)
Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, and I'm just bursting with excitement to tell you about my recent escapade to the charming coastal town of Barrow in Furness.
This journey was extra special as I made it by train! You see, my loves, this queen has a weakness for the romance of railway travel. The clattering rhythm of the tracks, the bustling of fellow passengers, and the thrill of a new destination always set my heart aflutter. It's like a whimsical, grown-up fairytale, with the journey just as delightful as the destination.
Now, Barrow in Furness may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think "tutu haven," but trust me, it held some hidden treasures for a pink-loving queen like me.
The journey itself was an absolute delight! I boarded the train, resplendent in a stunning pink tulle tutu with delicate white lace edging and a coordinating sequined bolero that shimmered with every clickety-clack of the tracks. I even sported my signature feather boa - a luscious lilac one this time - which seemed to enchant all the other passengers. Let's be honest, you just can't go wrong with a feather boa, can you?
During the trip, I couldn't resist whipping out my travel sketchbook to capture all the lovely people on board - from the businessman in a sharp suit to the grandma with a knitting needle, everyone seemed so colourful and captivating.
Speaking of colours, my favourite bit of the train ride was watching the landscapes change from Derbyshire’s rolling hills to the vastness of the Lake District. It's like the world itself became my giant colour palette! The greens of the countryside blended into the rich browns and greys of the fells, with hints of sapphire blue from the distant lakes, all reflecting beautifully in the window glass. Truly breathtaking.
Arriving in Barrow in Furness, I was immediately struck by the quaint, charming streets and the welcoming smiles of the locals. I mean, wouldn't you smile if you saw a drag queen sashay through town in a vibrant pink tutu and sequined hat, throwing out glittery confetti as she went? The people there were delightful. A lovely young lady even complimented my feather boa and told me I was bringing "some colour" to the town. I swear, my heart almost exploded with joy!
My main reason for visiting this town was for the local ballet company’s production of "Swan Lake." Now, anyone who knows me, knows that ballet is my weakness. It's the elegant art form that gets me every time. From the exquisite grace to the powerful narratives, it’s simply spellbinding.
And, wouldn't you know it, the Barrow company’s performance was a real treat. The dancers, so poised and precise in their movements, made the classic tale of betrayal and love come to life with captivating artistry. They practically swirled around the stage, with delicate, feathered movements like flocks of ethereal swans. It made me want to join in and dance with them!
After the performance, I did what any self-respecting drag queen would do – I found a local vintage boutique to indulge my insatiable craving for sparkly treasures. I scored some fabulous pink sequinned shoes to complement my collection and a gorgeous velvet evening cape - all in shades of raspberry and amethyst - that will make any entrance utterly unforgettable.
One evening, I decided to explore a local art gallery called the “B.B. Gallery” with its focus on celebrating the vibrant street art and local artists in Barrow. You see, darlings, art in all its forms has a very special place in my heart. I'm always fascinated by how artists capture beauty and meaning through diverse mediums. I particularly loved the portraits painted by one of the artists – he managed to capture the essence of a local fisherman and a young mother with such tenderness.
The highlight of the entire Barrow adventure, though, was my performance at a local pub - The "Blue Anchor." It wasn’t a glitzy, theatre stage but a welcoming and cozy pub where I really got to connect with the people, making them laugh and sharing a love of everything glittery.
You know how I love my big entrance? So, after a rousing, glittery rendition of "A Little Less Conversation" in a dazzling new pink sequined gown that perfectly captured the colours of the setting sun, I spent the rest of the evening with a captivated crowd. It's amazing how a bit of sparkle can brighten up the most ordinary night.
I'll admit, darling, when I started my "Pink Tutu Sparkles" journey, I was terrified of travelling to new places alone. But the joy of exploring different places, experiencing different cultures, and making people happy, well, it’s the ultimate magic that keeps me going.
Now, my little tutu fairies, you know my mission in life is to get every single person on the planet to wear a pink tutu! Well, it's actually more like inspiring everyone to add a bit of sparkle to their everyday lives, you know, find joy in the simple things and, most importantly, never stop shining.
And just like my journey to Barrow in Furness, every new place offers an opportunity to spread the tutu-love. Remember, you never know what magical, glittering discoveries await around the next corner!
Till next time, lovelies! Stay sparkly and fabulous!
Pink Tutu Sparkles
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S Don’t forget to send in photos of you rocking your pink tutus to