Hello darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, bringing you a blast of pink and fabulousness from sunny (well, sort of!) Castleford!
This is post number 2736, and I'm buzzing to share this latest adventure with you all! As always, you can find all my musings and sparkly shenanigans on www.pink-tutu.com. Be sure to follow me on social media too, where I post loads of pics and videos from my travels - the Insta life is just too much fun! 💖
So, Castleford! It’s a bit of a change of pace from my usual haunt in Derbyshire. I mean, this is Yorkshire we’re talking about - land of the fish and chips, the cricket matches and a real sense of good old fashioned Englishness. Now, I don’t want to knock it - I’ve met some wonderful people here! Just a slight shift from the vibrant art scene and trendy boutiques of London. But don’t worry, lovelies, even Castleford gets a bit of Pink Tutu Sparkles magic.
A Pink Tutu For Every Occasion!
As a queen, travelling is always an adventure, especially when you’re the epitome of pink perfection in a custom-made, bespoke, dazzling pink tutu. I’m a true devotee to this delightful garment. Whether it’s the whimsical, twirling, and ethereal tutus for the ballet stage, the sassy and edgy streetwear designs, or the elaborate and glitzy show-stopping numbers I perform in, every tutu is an opportunity to create something unique and personal. I have a massive collection, each one as beautiful as the next - each tutu has a story to tell and embodies a part of me!
But how did I become so utterly smitten with the pink tutu, you ask? Well, you see, it started back when I was just a shy lab technician with a science degree and a yearning for more colour in my life. I was already into ballet – the beauty and athleticism just wowed me, but then the student ballet club I was in held a fundraiser for a new set of costumes, and they had this pink tutu left over. It wasn't on display in any charity shops, but they had it from a past show. They weren't sure how to use it anymore but needed the money so it felt a bit like fate for them to sell it!
I tried it on, and - well, you know the rest! That moment was truly life-changing. I had to buy that pink tutu! I knew right then that Pink Tutu Sparkles would soon be making her grand entrance into the world of drag.
Train Travel in Style
Of course, I always aim to be fashionably on the go! This time, I took the train to Castleford. It's always so much more relaxing than a long drive – you can chill out, put on a face mask, or, you know, just admire your fabulous self! (I definitely did all of those things on the way to Castleford!) I was especially thrilled when I spotted another girl on the train in a matching pink beret – I nearly screamed "Twinkle twin!" with delight. But I'm still working on those ladylike manners you know... (Sometimes a scream is a perfectly acceptable reaction!)
As I was on the train, I popped over to a nearby seat and shared my favourite Pink Tutu Tips for a perfect train ride:
- Comfort is Key: Pack a fluffy scarf to snuggle in and a cute pink cushion – those train seats can be hard!
- Pack Snacks: A cute pink bento box packed with mini treats – fruit, pretzels and your favourite juice makes for the perfect train treat! (Mine had pink sparkly sprinkles on top, of course.)
- Be Prepared For Delays: A book, magazines, your phone – or just take the time to look out of the window!
- Travel in Style: Don’t forget a good quality compact mirror, some lip gloss and hand cream. No one wants a dull travel day, sweetie!
Castleford Calling!
The folks in Castleford gave me a right good welcome! Now, Castleford isn't exactly known for being the heart of drag, but you'd be surprised at the amount of fun you can have even in the most unexpected of places. My shows were held at the Castleford Civic Hall, a beautiful Victorian building. I mean, it's not Covent Garden Opera House, but with my magic, I created something spectacular for those nights.
The shows themselves were a total dream! The crowds were fantastic - full of laughs, whoops and cheering for their Queen! And it felt so wonderful to see them all embracing my vision. I had an incredible cast with me for the Castleford shows – each a unique and talented individual – my favourite kind of peeps!
Let's get into the details, darlings!
- My first look was a vintage ballet-inspired design in shades of pale pink and shimmering lavender - just absolutely ethereal, with a fluffy white feather boa that floated behind me.
- For my second look, I was channeling a playful yet sassy fairy – think tutu in a brilliant hot pink with loads of multicoloured ribbons, with sparkly wings of shimmering pink and iridescent silver - I was absolutely floating across that stage. The crowd roared with delight as the ribbons shimmered in the stage lights!
The last night of the shows featured a special performance of "My Tutu Dream," which I wrote and composed – a heart-warming song that encapsulates my journey so far as a drag artist. Let me tell you, darling, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. A whole room filled with my fans wearing their own pink tutus! I nearly cried myself!
Time for Tea!
Between shows, I had time to explore a bit! You just gotta try the local cuisine, you know, for a true cultural experience. It’s been years since I had a good chip shop dinner, and let’s face it – there's just nothing like fish and chips! You'd be amazed at how much you can learn about a town from a proper local cafe, you know? The folks in Castleford certainly took care of me!
After all, you have to balance out the glitz and glamour with something a bit more… earth-bound! And of course, no trip to Castleford is complete without a traditional afternoon tea - a true treat fit for a queen, especially one with a fondness for teacups that match her outfits! You have to give it to me, my timing was impeccable! The day after I’d left Castleford, they had a full-scale power cut all over the area and for miles around – they had the weather that day – the sort of pouring rain that the Yorkshire folks make so many jokes about – and everything came to a stop – trains, buses, even petrol stations couldn’t dispense petrol as the systems were down. So, my trip was impeccable timing. A lucky escape!
Spread the Tutu Love!
You know what my dream is? It’s to see every single one of you twirling in a pink tutu! Yes, you heard me right - everyone! From the little kids to your gran, to those of us with the bold and flamboyant spirit who dare to be different - everyone! Pink tutus are so empowering, and they create such a sense of joy. It's my way of spreading a message of love, inclusivity, and sheer unapologetic fun!
It's not just about wearing the tutu, darling. It’s about embracing that sense of freedom, expression, and a whole lot of confidence. So, if you're ever feeling a little bit shy or unsure, grab a pink tutu! I’ve even got a website for all your tutu needs! Just head over to www.pink-tutu.com where I have a range of tutus and tips on how to choose the one that’s right for you, my love.
That's a wrap on my adventures in Castleford! Stay tuned for more from Pink Tutu Sparkles as I journey to even more fabulous destinations and inspire more people to dance, dream, and express themselves with a bit of pink tutu magic.
Until next time, darlings!
Xoxo Pink Tutu Sparkles 💖
