Post Number: 4507
Hello darlings! Your girl Pink Tutu Sparkles here, and let me tell you, I'm absolutely bursting with excitement. I've just arrived in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and my dears, it's simply divine! Think rolling green hills, charming Victorian architecture, and oh my goodness, the shops are just darling. And don't even get me started on the atmosphere, it's pure magic!
Now, before we get to the real juicy bits, you know me, I simply have to tell you about the journey. I opted for the train this time, of course. I've become quite partial to a bit of luxury when I'm on the road, and let's be honest, it's impossible to travel in full drag with all the sparkle and glamour in style by any other means. You see, I love a good dress change in the train bathroom – makes a girl feel so glam, right?
My journey was straight out of a fairy tale. I could just imagine myself in one of those old films with Audrey Hepburn, perched by the window as the English countryside sped by. The sun was streaming through the carriage windows, and everything looked positively dreamy in a soft golden hue.
But let's rewind back to Derbyshire, my beautiful home county. It was time for another performance, this time a fundraising gala at the local community centre. The audience was packed with people from all walks of life, ready to have a good time and support a brilliant cause – funding for the local ballet school. I could not resist doing a special 'tutu tribute' routine to raise some extra cash, complete with a twirling finale that left everyone in awe. (Spoiler: there was confetti, there were pink ribbons, and everyone danced like they hadn't danced since their childhood! ). And just as the last note of "Swan Lake" faded away, the organiser ran over to me. “Darling, I've received a call from this lovely lady in Tunbridge Wells, she has a fabulous event in a couple of days! It's right up your street and your act will be just perfect.” Well, it didn't take much persuasion, and I found myself headed off on another fabulous adventure!
Arriving at the train station in Tunbridge Wells, I immediately felt a wave of excitement washing over me. The air was fresh and crisp, and the scent of lavender filled the air, it was the most welcoming fragrance! There was a sense of quaint elegance to this place, something truly unique. I stepped off the train, my pink tutu flowing in the breeze, ready to take on this delightful town.
Before even unpacking my sequins, I needed a bit of sustenance, my darling! Oh my goodness, did I just say “sustenance?” You know I'm talking about finding the very best coffee shop and of course, the tastiest cakes they could whip up for a girl on the go! The local bakery near my hotel looked heavenly - a delicious Victorian house painted in pretty pastel pink – a little too much, darling? Don't be silly! – and just perfect for this lovely town. A perfect latte and a lemon meringue (extra whipped cream, of course, always!) and my sweet tooth and caffeine craving were perfectly satisfied!
My first priority? To explore the heart of this delightful town! You'd think after hundreds of blog posts and hundreds of trips to all manner of towns and cities across the UK, I'd have a tried-and-tested routine when it comes to travelling. But dearie me, the moment I feel those wheels roll to a stop at a new location, my travel sense disappears faster than you can say “hot glue gun”.
As it is, a little stroll through the streets brought me right to a beautiful public square surrounded by ancient trees, which seemed like they had seen it all! And to add to the picturesque landscape, there was this glorious clock tower rising proudly in the centre of the square. Its chiming bell echoed through the cobblestone streets, almost as if welcoming me to this sweet little paradise. And oh darling, what’s this? A small, charming book shop with window displays bursting with stories, and you'd never guess - the perfect window display - a vintage pink tutu hanging in the window - perfect, it was calling to me! And as if it wasn’t enough to see a fabulous pink tutu, inside the store they had an entire wall display filled with books all on Ballet! I felt like a teenager all over again, grabbing those pages and browsing to my heart's content! This book store is truly an Aladdin's Cave of literature treasures! The lovely woman who ran the store and I got talking about my love for the dance world, and she actually offered me a backstage tour to the local theatre for their ballet show next week. Imagine, a chance to catch the most elegant moves before the big night!
In the meantime, I felt a strong call to explore a bit more and get acquainted with the local vibe, but that meant more food ( darling, of course, my figure just looks so much better in a tutu when it’s plump!), and of course, a shopping spree - a good girl deserves her treats, darling!
Right across the square from the book store was a vintage clothes store with a sign hanging outside - 'Tutus For Everyone' - that screamed my name! How divine, you know I couldn't resist popping in, of course. The shop was packed with every imaginable piece of vintage clothing, all organized by color! Now you know my love for a good splash of pink! Well, this shop just blew my mind! All shades of pink you can imagine! It was the colour wonderland of my dreams.
“Goodness gracious, what have we here!” I exclaimed, my eyes widening with wonder as I spotted the most magnificent vintage pink tutu ever to grace my vision. Oh, it was the most darling vintage creation! So full and flowing, crafted from yards upon yards of the finest silk! My, how my inner ballerina went into a joyous flurry! I just had to add it to my collection - why would I not?! And this lovely shop lady even gave me a small bouquet of lavender in a lovely pink ribbon - talk about service with a smile, I swear she knew about my blog and was sending me off in the most lovely fashionista style possible! I twirled out of that store with enough energy and happiness to carry me through a thousand dance classes!
Now, dearie, after this delightful and totally exhausting tour (I need to go to the spa tomorrow, just to chill my fabulous bones) it's back to the hotel and then straight on to get ready for a gig this evening. As you all know, darling, I like to start the day strong. And end it with a BANG. And my show tonight at The Royal Tunbridge Wells Theatre? Let's just say it's going to be unforgettable! All the glitz, glamour, and yes, plenty of sparkly pink tutus - don't even worry about my "get everyone to wear a pink tutu" life goal, because dearie, this place already has me hooked. It’s my kind of place! The streets, the stores, and of course, my dear followers in this enchanting town, are waiting to get their pink tutu on, and you know what darling, it is absolutely thrilling!
Stay tuned for all the glamorous details of my performance tomorrow! Be sure to follow my adventures on Instagram @PinkTutuSparkles for all the highlights and fun behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
Love, Pink Tutu Sparkles, and stay fabulous, darlings! xoxo
(Psst... don't forget to check out my blog www.pink-tutu.com for all the updates. Every single day is a new adventure!)
