Hello lovelies! It's your Pink Tutu Sparkles here, back with another fabulous adventure! This is post number 4705, can you believe it? That's over 12 years of sparkling pink tutus, glitter bombs and oh-so-much fabulousness on the www.pink-tutu.com blog! And guess what? This weekend, I'm bringing the magic to the gorgeous coastal town of Hove!
Now, I know what you're thinking - Brighton's right next door, isn't it? And you'd be right! Brighton is the ultimate queer haven, a place bursting with energy and a vibrant drag scene, but Hove? Hove's a little more... refined. You wouldn't expect to find a queen with a passion for all things pink in a place like this, would you? But I, my darlings, am here to show Hove that fabulousness comes in all colours, and sparkles best under a big pink tutu.
Getting here was half the fun, you know? No car for this diva, it was a classic British rail journey with a compartment all to myself and plenty of time to glam up! (Let's be real, it was also the cheapest option, this queen doesn't spend her hard-earned cash on just any transport. Although, I have been eyeing up a beautiful white stallion for a few weeks now... dreams)
Anyway, I arrived in Hove at about 4pm, the sun shining, the seagulls screaming (the sea, you know? Always brings out the diva in me!). I instantly felt at peace. There was something about the fresh air and the way the buildings sparkled in the light. You know, like my signature crystal earrings - they’re from Brighton Pier, of course, so perfect for this trip!
My First Hove Stop: You can't visit Hove without indulging in the best local tea rooms, darling! I headed straight for 'The Pink Teapot' - I mean, did it even have a chance, really?
Honestly, it felt like stepping back in time! The chintz, the flowers, the perfect china... it's a wonderland. I enjoyed a scrumptious cuppa with two delicate cakes, each perfectly decorated with the daintiest pink sugar flowers. Honestly, the only thing missing was my own miniature tutu, it'd fit right in.
Next, My Darlings: Time for a little ballet! Hove's theatre was built in the 1800s. Honestly, just looking at it from the outside with its grandeur, I felt my whole being vibrating with joy! Inside, it's equally magnificent, adorned with ornate details. This was my mission, my reason for travelling - to experience Hove through its arts scene. I've been dreaming about this ballet since I saw the poster outside the station! The performance was magical! Ballet is my lifeblood - and I couldn't stop snapping pictures with my camera. The costumes, the moves, the stories woven in each dance... Pure bliss.
Dinner and Dancing: The evening, as it always does, called for dancing! I opted for a dinner and dancing night at the oldest pub in Hove - "The Ship" It's charmingly rustic and authentic, like stepping right into a Victorian novel! A bit rough around the edges, but with the right sparkle, everything becomes enchanting. Of course, I brought a sparkly pink tutu and some glow sticks to transform this cosy space into a disco paradise. I mean, it's always best to add a little TutuQueen magic wherever I go!
Shop 'til you Drop (or Drop Dead!): Hove, it's truly a haven for vintage clothes shopping! I visited 'Retro Luxe' and 'Vintage on the Green,' spending hours rummaging through piles of treasures - finding some incredible pieces, darling! A gorgeous pink feathered bolero, a lace dress perfect for my next performance, and a truly incredible sparkly pink headband for just £2.50. Honestly, it was like the vintage fairies had gifted me their most precious jewels.
The Tutu Queen on the beach?: Of course! No seaside adventure would be complete without a walk along the beach. Even in autumn, the windswept waves and crashing tide have a raw beauty to them. I slipped into my favourite sparkly, pink bikini (yes, I still have the whole matching pink beach set) and I couldn't help but imagine all those glittering fish dancing around my feet. I know, I know - it's quite the fantasy.
A Farewell to Hove:
Leaving Hove felt like bidding goodbye to a close friend. But then, I have that little voice in my head (my inner TutuQueen, you know?) who says, “Don’t you fret, darling, there will be plenty more adventures waiting for you in the world!” And it’s true, isn't it?
But the biggest truth is this: Hove - and any other destination I choose - will be a bit less fabulous, a bit less whimsical, and a bit less magical without the pink tutu, you know?
Remember, dear darlings: life's too short to not live in full colour! So go ahead, find your favourite pink tutu (or if pink’s not your thing, maybe a beautiful emerald green?), put on some fabulous music, and dance like nobody’s watching! After all, there’s a little bit of TutuQueen in each of us waiting to sparkle.
Until next time,
XOXO, Your Pink Tutu Sparkles ✨
