Hiya my lovelies, it's Pink Tutu Sparkles, and as the saying goes, "Life's too short to wear boring clothes" so I'm here with another blog post for ya! And this time, I'm talking train journeys, Burnley, and pink tutus, of course!
You all know how much I adore exploring new places and meeting lovely folk! My latest adventure took me to the heart of Lancashire, all the way to Burnley! Now, I may be from Derbyshire, a girl who loves her countryside, but let me tell you, Burnley was a whole new world. A world of charming cobbled streets, independent shops with such unique finds, and an incredible artistic spirit!
My journey was so fab. It was a beautiful clear winter day, the kind of day that makes you wanna twirl! I had my pink tutu on, as one always does, naturally! (Itās a fluffy one, super sparkly with little pearl flowers around the hem - the one my lovely Nana got me as a Christmas present.)
My ride was by train. I adore the magic of train travel - the clickety-clack of the wheels, the rush of wind, the chance to meet different folk - such a fun way to see the country, you know. It was a slow, leisurely journey, the perfect time to think of new moves for my performance! I sat by the window and took in all the countryside, feeling the rhythm of the tracks guide my daydreams about glitter, feather boas and twirling for a huge crowd.
When I finally arrived in Burnley, I was so excited! I hopped off the train with my little wheeled suitcase (which had its own fluffy pink tutu cover!) and greeted the world with a dazzling smile, which just about matched the pink fluffy skirt! Burnley felt like a step back in time. Such charming little streets, filled with so many independent shops with fascinating treasures. You know I had to get a little something for myself. A bright pink sequined hairband! So, the latest sparkly accessory made it back to my suitcase and I'm thinking of adding a giant, feathered pink fascinator... hmmm, ideas swirling, like my tutus when I dance.
I knew there'd be a fun place for me to perform. My phone lit up, as it so often does, with messages about the next fabulous opportunity! You see, being Pink Tutu Sparkles isnāt a nine to five, itās a 24/7 sparkly affair! My journey had brought me a show at the charming Burnley Mechanics. This little gem is the centre of all the performing arts in the town and its stage has a glorious history of bringing joy to local folks. You bet, I took my inspiration from the old days and planned to bring that joyful energy with a dazzling performance in my signature tutu.
That night, Burnley Mechanics came alive with colour and laughter. My performance, like always, was about twirls, giggles and lots of glitter! There I was, twirling in the limelight, singing my heart out to a sold-out audience. I mean, what's more satisfying than seeing everyone's faces light up, especially when I do a really special, sparkly, pink, grand finale? And then there's the applause! Such a thrill. The energy from the crowd, especially after my pink tulle finale, is magical.
But it wasnāt just about me. It was about bringing people together, filling the theatre with that feel-good vibe, making everyone happy, all those little girls with dreamy eyes looking at their own sparkly future ā or the men! Why not! I saw smiles and laughter everywhere I looked. And to be honest, I love that people came up to me afterwards, so many lovely folk, and said "I've never seen a show like this before!" or "Youāve inspired me to take up ballet! How can I join a ballet class?" Now, this is why I love performing, to bring a bit of fun into the world and maybe encourage folks to step out of their comfort zone and have a go!
The whole weekend, I soaked in the spirit of this place, from visiting the little, charming cafes filled with local families to wandering past Burnley Town Hall, that architectural gem. Even when I wasn't performing, the fun just kept on going! Thereās a little bar on the corner of Church Street, itās a tiny place with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and fairy lights hanging everywhere. You could tell there were loads of regulars there, chatting, laughing and creating a friendly, community vibe! The manager, Dave, let me perform for a half hour there with the music system at the back. Now, he couldnāt believe the fun I brought to the bar in my little pink tutu - Dave just told everyone to enjoy the āPink Tutu Specialā which had loads of gin, lime and lemonade! He even asked for an autograph! And guess what? Everyone who saw me at the bar promised to come to my big show! Oh my god, itās been ages since I had a bar performance in a venue as magical and quirky as this. My own personal pink fairy-light stage.
Iāve gotta say, Burnley surprised me. A place that feels like home with the warmth of the community, the beautiful surroundings, and those incredible shops. The shops on Church Street are my absolute favourite! You can find the perfect vintage dress there or a piece of local artisan pottery, everything is so personal and unique, making the town feel truly special. It's so lovely when you're somewhere that shows its personality through the things its residents make, sell, wear and eat.
And the best thing is? As always, I left Burnley with some lovely memories. My journey wasnāt just about being Pink Tutu Sparkles, a performer who spreads a little bit of pink tutu magic; it was also about taking in a new place, feeling the heart of its people, enjoying its unique charms, and learning from their spirit. So, as my journey ended, and I boarded the train back to Derbyshire, I was feeling filled with warmth and hope, ready for my next adventure. There are always more twirls and smiles to be had, more people to meet and more tutus to wear. And you know, this pink princess canāt wait!
So, stay tuned, because Pink Tutu Sparkles never stops! Iām off to Brighton this weekend and that's just one stop on the pink sparkly map. Remember to follow along on www.pink-tutu.com! Keep the glitter and smiles flowing!
Lots of love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles xoxo.
PS: I just realised itās almost time to make some sparkly pink snacks. Do you have a favorite recipe for a sparkly dessert? Leave a comment and let me know!
PSS: Has anyone got a good suggestion for places to perform? My diaryās open for new locations! Let me know!
