Frome, Oh Frome, How I Love Thee! (Blog Post #1265)
Hello, darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, and oh, my stars, what a week it's been! Frome, you were simply divine! And just for you, my fabulous readers, I'm whipping up a little post packed with all the juicy details, because let's be honest, the real drama happens off stage, doesn't it?
So, how did I, your very own Pink Tutu Sparkles, even get to this quaint little town? Well, let's just say a certain handsome gentleman with a handlebar moustache and a penchant for fancy hats – he’ll be getting his own shout-out in a future post! - invited me down to perform at the local summer fair. The thought of shimmering under a summer sky, surrounded by happy faces and the sweet aroma of cotton candy, just set my heart aflutter!
This is, of course, why we, dear readers, love the railway! A quick trip from Derbyshire to Frome, surrounded by picturesque views of rolling hills and charming cottages, makes the whole adventure feel so much more magical! Imagine, arriving at the fairground in a puff of pink tulle, the sunshine bouncing off my glitter, and the smell of candy floss hanging in the air… Pure joy!
Let’s talk about Frome!
Oh, darling, Frome is everything you imagine a quintessential British market town to be! Cobbled streets, adorable little shops selling everything from hand-painted ceramics to vintage records, a bustling market brimming with fresh local produce, and that most magical element – charming locals.
Frome was literally abuzz with activity during the summer fair! From the children with their faces painted, to the couples dancing on the cobbled square, the air was filled with laughter, chatter and the rhythmic thrumming of the music!
And me, I just knew how to add my signature pink glitter to the mix!
My stage set, of course, was a riot of pink – an explosion of silk and tulle, with more rhinestones than you could shake a feather boa at! I just couldn’t resist draping a vintage French silk shawl over my pink, fluffy dressing table, just to add that je ne sais quoi.
Speaking of that dressing table – I can’t tell you how delighted I was to have discovered a charming little boutique shop in Frome, absolutely bursting with unique fabrics. The owner, darling – bless her heart – must have been a dressmaker in a former life. Her vintage silk fabrics practically called out to me. Now, let's just say, my new tutu just has to be unveiled, and, naturally, it will feature an extensive blog post of its own!
My act? Well, it wouldn't be me if it wasn't sprinkled with plenty of pink, fluffy mayhem! A dazzling performance that blended a touch of the old-fashioned glamour of ballet with a sprinkle of pop culture, a pinch of pantomime and, of course, an abundance of pink tulle. The audience, well, they were a joy to perform for – full of energy, they laughed with me, sang along, and cheered with such enthusiastic fervour, I had butterflies in my stomach! It’s one thing being your own queen, it’s another entirely having an audience cheer your own royal presence.
But hey, we weren’t done there, darling!
The summer fair also provided an opportunity for me to put on a truly sensational "Meet & Greet." Imagine, all the pink you could handle! A pile of feather boas in a glorious spectrum of hues, glitter cannons spewing sparkle galore, and even a little "Pink Tutu" Photo Booth, complete with props – and, of course, plenty of photogenic Pink Tutu Sparkles herself. The kids loved it, the adults loved it – and, naturally, so did I! It felt so heartwarming seeing those bright, smiling faces, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of awe and joy! The "meet & greet" was an absolute blast, a perfect opportunity to connect with everyone, from giggling kids in pink tutus of their own to charming couples taking a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the fair. It's truly incredible to feel that sense of connection, that shared energy – something truly magical about a bit of glitz and glitter, darling.
Of course, my love affair with Frome doesn’t end there.
After the show, I had a chance to discover some more hidden gems:
- The Victoria Art Gallery, a real treasure trove of fine art from around the world. My eyes literally were glued to every masterpiece! And naturally, I made a point to strike a pose with my signature sparkle in front of one of the more colourful works, which was promptly added to my “Queen of Frome” Instagram album, so check that out, darling.
- A visit to the delightful Frome Cheese Company, with an incredible selection of artisan cheeses. Now, darling, my personal favourite has got to be that delightful blue cheese with the little crystals! So dreamy.
Then it was time to grab a delicious (and super Instagrammable) meal at The Old Butchers, a truly beautiful gastropub with a charming courtyard that truly embodied that unique charm of Frome! I even treated myself to a bit of Frome’s local cider – crisp, refreshing, and a perfect accompaniment to my creamy, rich blue cheese, the sweet-and-savoury combination had me floating! I must confess, I ended up with a very healthy portion of “Queen Sparkles’ Special Cheese & Cider Board!”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting Frome in an even more magical light, I realised I had found a place I needed to add to my list of favourites, darlings!
Frome was a treasure – vibrant, charming, a testament to the true beauty of small-town England. With its independent shops, cobbled streets, and friendly locals, Frome was everything I wanted it to be and more. It made me feel truly grateful to be doing what I love, travelling, sharing my love for pink, my love for sparkle and making everyone else shine with a little dose of joy!
So, thank you, Frome. You left me truly sparkly and full of love. And you know what, dear reader, a special little "Pink Tutu Sparkles' Favourite Finds" video is on its way, so you can find some of Frome’s magic for yourself.
Until next time, darlings! Remember to embrace your inner sparkle and wear a little pink.
Keep those tutus twirling!
Yours,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
xx