Hello darlings! Itās your girl Pink Tutu Sparkles, and let me tell you, this Manchester trip has been a whirlwind of sparkles, pink, and oh so much tutus! I feel like Iāve lived a lifetime in just 48 hours, and itās only Monday morning!
As you know, Iām a creature of habit, so youāll not be surprised to hear that I rolled into Manchester on the 12.30pm train from Derby. The carriage was full of excited families on their way to the panto (Iām never not tempted by a good panto!), and it gave me such a buzz to see little ones dressed in sparkly outfits, their faces full of excitement. It's just adorable, isnāt it?
Speaking of sparkles, my outfit for this Manchester adventure was a dream! I was feeling like a full-blown pink ballerina with my favourite fluffy, pink, multi-layered tutu, adorned with an explosion of sequins and rhinestones. It was perfect for swirling and twirling on the platform, catching the eye of every passing gentleman. (I'm all about a bit of playful flirtation, right? )
I stayed with the lovely Sarah, a fellow tutu enthusiast who's actually a real-life ballerina, isnāt that fab?! She even let me borrow some of her tutus, the real ones! I had a ball twirling and twirling and twirling... Itās hard to not smile when youāre wearing a tutu, especially when youāre surrounded by a supportive community like Sarahās. I'm already planning a future "tutu swap" event, and I know everyone's going to be wanting a piece of the pink, so get ready for that announcement soon!
Friday evening, the show commenced! I performed at the āThe Glittering Rainbowā bar, a beautiful old Victorian building that felt like stepping into a fairytale. The crowds were fantastic, super-welcoming and friendly, and oh-my-goodness, I swear the dancefloor literally glowed.
The venue was rocking with fabulous performers, everyone had their own unique style and something special about them, which made for a wonderfully eclectic show. Of course, I took my chance to dazzle them with my pink tulle-infused glamour! We had an incredible set of "Iām A Barbie Girl" followed by some sassy "Dancing Queen" routines, everyone dancing in a big sparkly, pink haze.
There were more tutus than you could shake a sequined feather boa at! It was truly inspirational and the perfect Friday night energy!
Speaking of energy, I think we could hear my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" down the street! Everyone was singing along and you just felt the electricity in the room, which was truly magical. I love getting the crowd singing along. It just makes me so happy!
Saturday, we explored the city, a whole different experience, and even more beautiful! It really is one of the most architecturally-stunning cities Iāve visited in the UK. There were so many beautiful old buildings, like the Town Hall. It made me want to slip on a pink tutu, and twirl outside of it!
Sarah, my gracious host, took me on a beautiful tour through the Manchester Arndale, showcasing all the delights this amazing shopping centre has to offer. It was my heaven - endless racks of sparkles and fabrics that called to my inner designer. I ended up with a brand new pair of sequined pumps and a silver-studded pink handbag that literally cried "Look at me!" They are going to be the stars of my upcoming āRoyal Pink Princess" drag set at the "The Crown" in Chesterfield next weekend, stay tuned for more news!
Now, after a little bit of retail therapy, there was nothing better than a lovely little horse-drawn carriage ride around Piccadilly Gardens. Whatās a better way to admire Manchester's beautiful skyline than from the perspective of a handsome steed, my tutu trailing behind me? It truly is one of lifeās great little pleasures! I just want to live my life like that all the time.
As I mentioned, we are talking Manchester, so I absolutely HAD to see the iconic Northern Quarter. We ended the day by soaking up the incredible buzz of the independent stores, quirky art shops and vintage delights. You never know what treasures youāll find tucked away down a little alley!
On Sunday, I visited the famous Bridgewater Hall. I mean, you just have to visit when you are in the area, right? It was a chance for some culture! They were staging Tchaikovskyās Nutcracker, one of my all-time favourites! My heart skipped a beat as the orchestra played and the ballerinas swirled on the stage. It was absolutely magical! All of it - the tutus, the dance, the music - itās just wonderful, and the ultimate girly dream! Of course, I wore my tutu to the ballet, the pinkest, most fabulous tutu I own, and it definitely added an extra level of excitement to the performance. The audience looked my way, they were charmed and delighted, and it honestly made my day!
Speaking of charmed, the best bit? I had two children, twins in tutus, run up to me during intermission and ask for my autograph! They even said I looked just like their favorite ballerina. Now, how could I not have had the biggest smile? You could have knocked me down with a feather! Maybe thatās why I choose the pink tulle...
Before returning to Derby, Sarah and I decided to check out the Trafford Centre, where we were instantly overwhelmed by all the glitter and colour. As you know, shopping and dazzling people is really my thing. I love making an impression. And at the Trafford Centre? There are so many things you can wear to really wow. I tried on some magnificent pink tulle creations that I found on a bargain stand. Can't spoil the surprise, but let's just say that, my new outfit for my show in Buxton next month just might have come from a great big pink rack full of sparkly goodness!
This little getaway to Manchester, my little trip for my blog, filled with tutus, glitter, and excitement was a joy to behold! But let me know - have you been to Manchester? If so, what was your favorite experience? Share your thoughts!
And remember, everyone should wear a pink tutu. It's all about embracing the pink! Stay pink and sparkly my darlings!
XOXO,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
