Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, and today's post is all about my fab trip to Fleet, Hampshire. It's post number 420, can you believe it?! I'm so chuffed with all the love and support you lot are showing me.
So, Fleet. Where do I even begin? It's like a little slice of English countryside charm, but with a splash of modern-day magic. The people were lovely, the pubs were full of life, and I had the best time. Of course, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Sparkles trip without some major pink tutu action!
The train journey down was a delight. It felt like a trip back in time, in a good way, you know? I got chatting with this lovely lady called Brenda who told me she had been going to the ballet since she was a child. She was wearing the most beautiful knitted cardigan - all green and purple - and we ended up having a proper chinwag about how the costumes at the Royal Ballet had evolved over the years. Talk about a blast from the past! I even persuaded Brenda to come to my show later that night - you gotta spread the Pink Tutu love, right?!
As we trundled into Fleet station, I felt the magic in the air. It was one of those days when you could really feel the change of seasons. You know how the air is just a bit crisper and there’s that special smell that tells you autumn’s on the way? Anyway, I had my pink tulle twirling in the wind like a pink butterfly – that’s what makes travelling by train so much fun, the sheer theatricality!
I was staying in the cutest little guest house, tucked away down a cobbled street. The landlady, a woman named Mrs. Crumb, had a collection of vintage hats in the hallway and even offered me some homemade jam. The decor was absolutely darling, all chintz and lace with floral wallpapers. Honestly, you wouldn’t think you were just outside London!
Of course, no visit to Fleet would be complete without a trip to the Hart Gallery. It's this wonderful little art gallery that features local artists. They have all kinds of work there - paintings, sculptures, even jewellery - and some of it was truly spectacular. They had one sculpture in particular of a giant pink flamingo, just like my beloved Pinkie the Flamingo. You see, Pinkie's a symbol of all things bright and beautiful in my life! I just adore his elegant long legs and vibrant colour! Anyway, let’s just say the artist in me had a whale of a time in that gallery.
Fleet is actually really known for its equine heritage. And that's what made my visit extra special! The local horse racing stables put on a little event to help raise money for a new children's charity. I even had a chance to meet one of the racing horses - he was beautiful! They even gave me a special hat to wear to fit the occasion - all with lots of pink feathers and an extravagant pink ribbon tied into a big bow! Oh darling, the whole thing felt very fairytale! And, of course, the day wasn’t complete until I did some horse riding myself! A delightful local stable called “The Galloping Fairy” even let me try one of their special Pink-Tutu steeds, which is, naturally, an adorable little horse with a pink saddle! What can I say, pink just suits everything! I took a delightful ride through the rolling countryside, with my tutu swishing behind me like a princess.
Speaking of princess-y things, that night I put on my biggest and most glorious pink tutu to do my show in the town hall. It was called "Fleet's Got Talent," and let me tell you, my act was truly unforgettable! They didn't expect a drag queen in pink, let alone one who performs a stunning ballet routine to "Swan Lake" while wearing a fabulous pink feather boa and a sparkly tiara. The entire town hall roared with laughter and applause, I just couldn't stop smiling! I saw people from my train ride, Mrs Crumb, even a couple of people from the Hart Gallery! What a truly wonderful time.
The next morning, after a scrumptious breakfast of scones and jam at the guest house, I made my way to the local ballet studio. Fleet seems to be a haven for talented dancers! Turns out the studio had this whole new programme, dedicated to "tutu-fying" beginners! It felt like the heavens had opened up and revealed my purpose. They wanted to get people wearing tutus as much as I do! Now, my dear blog readers, I had to teach them how to unleash their inner tutu queen!
They gave me the opportunity to lead a ballet class and share my love of all things tutu with them. We worked on simple movements and stretches, and you should've seen how much they enjoyed it. They're all getting into the pink-tutu spirit! It was wonderful seeing so many people, even some of the men in the group, embracing their inner tutu-lover. You know, the best part is seeing the confidence that shines through their eyes when they get into those tutus. I believe we've all got a pink tutu queen within us, you just need a little nudge sometimes!
As I said my goodbyes and boarded the train back to Derbyshire, I felt a surge of happiness. I was reminded of how lucky I am to travel, meet new people, and share my love for pink tutus with the world. I can't wait to see what adventure awaits next!
So, if you're ever looking for a fun-filled day out with a touch of vintage charm, a dash of ballet magic, and a sprinkle of pink tutu fun, Fleet, Hampshire should be your next destination. Trust me, my darling readers, you won’t be disappointed!
And, don’t forget to visit Pink-Tutu.com every day for your daily dose of Pink Tutu Sparkle! Have a fantastic day! Xxx
