Oh darlings, I'm simply thrilled to be writing to you all from Bicester! This little gem of a town, nestled in Oxfordshire, has a charm that truly shines, and it's totally got me twirling with glee! This is post number 2544 in my ongoing love affair with all things sparkly, pink, and oh-so-fabulous!
Now, you know how much I adore hopping on a train - there's just something about the rhythmic clatter and the views that whisking past the window that sends me straight into daydreamland. And let's face it, darling, I could spend all day just picking out a fabulous outfit! So, my trusty luggage was packed full of the most stunning pink tutu and the cutest sparkly little jacket (just the one, darling, it wouldn't be the same without the jacket!). My sequins, naturally, came along for the ride.
It seems that Bicester has a truly lovely, community-minded feel, just what you want when you're searching for a perfect performance location! And my performance tonight - well, let me tell you, it was positively spectacular! It was a community fundraiser at a fabulous, slightly faded Victorian ballroom that would have given even a stately home a run for its money! And oh my darlings, the people were so wonderfully welcoming.
You know how much I love a good old fashioned dance, and my stage set, darling? A vision in blush pinks and silver glitter! My performance began with a lil' ballet number - the 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' from The Nutcracker! Naturally, the perfect tutu came into play - a pale pink beauty that could have floated on a summer breeze. After my little ballerina routine, I segued seamlessly into a fabulously dramatic monologue, inspired by the brilliant words of Oscar Wilde. My silver sequins shimmered beautifully under the soft lights and I received the most tremendous round of applause! I can never quite get over the excitement that radiates from a truly adoring crowd.
Before my performance, I got to take a wee walk around this little gem of a town, with its quirky boutiques, and little tea shops. They sold everything, from those sweet little teacups with those teeny, tiny teapots to the most divine floral headbands (totally on my must-buy list!). Bicester also has the most charming, and most beautifully tended, public gardens, all a perfect combination of blooms and greenery and I can tell that they’d make an absolutely wonderful place to sit and sketch. My darling, don't even get me started on the Bicester Village, the retail hub!
Of course, darling, what would a Pink Tutu Sparkle visit be without some absolutely divine afternoon tea. We tucked into the most delectable selection of tiny sandwiches, pastries, cakes, scones, and oh darling, did I mention scones?! I was so overwhelmed with happiness I wanted to take them home and cuddle them (well, if only it weren't for my strict no-eating-scones-after-midnight rule!), I know I probably should have saved some room for some of the glorious sweet treats on offer, but, you know me, a bit of pink sparkle can never be enough. And speaking of pink, my darlings, the colours were positively enchanting! I could feel the spirit of those sweet, dreamy vintage tea shops seeping into every little inch of my being, and a delightful air of excitement wafted up to greet me, like a symphony of the finest perfume, whispering that the best was yet to come.
Now, before you start thinking about those late nights and early mornings, the early morning walk into Bicester’s vibrant and energetic market square was absolutely the perfect pick me up. You could find everything you could possibly need in this place, from fresh fruit, delicious baked goods and locally grown vegetables and flowers.
But darlings, there is something magical about walking around Bicester in the early hours of the morning, as the shops begin to open and life gently wakes up in this delightful town, I almost couldn't contain myself. There’s something so unique, exciting and inspiring about seeing the world gradually emerge from its sleep. As the sunlight began to paint the rooftops with an almost magical glow, I couldn’t resist snapping a few selfies (after a cheeky detour to grab myself a croissant, naturally!).
You’ll just have to check out my Instagram later for those! And the lovely shopkeeper told me that her grandmother started the market business years ago. And with the most infectious laugh and a twinkle in her eyes, she reminded me that Bicester is a place where dreams truly come true. I thought I’d taken in enough of this magical place already but, darling, I think I’ve got my very own dream dress ready and waiting for me, all perfectly stitched in Bicester.
Anyway, darlings, it's time for this Pink Tutu Sparkle to hit the hay! This little gem of a town is giving me serious tutu dreams and I have so many photos and so much more to tell you! But it’s definitely time to give my sequins a rest, get those eyes closed and drift off to sleep, after all, I've got another show to perform. So until tomorrow my darlings. See you on the website! 💖
And remember, even if you're not a scientist like me, a little sprinkle of sparkle goes a long way.
XOXO, Pink Tutu Sparkles
