Hello my gorgeous darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, reporting live from the stunning city of York! This is blog post number 6226 (keep up!), and I'm just bubbling over with excitement because I'm in one of my favourite places in the entire world - where history and whimsy collide like a beautiful, sparkly, pink explosion! 💥
But let me back up a little…
So, picture this. It’s a blustery Tuesday morning in Derbyshire, the kind of morning that makes your toes curl up inside your fuzzy slippers and you reach for a steaming mug of cocoa. Me, however, I'm up before dawn, stuffing my sparkly luggage (yes, sparkly!) with enough pink tulle and sequins to make a mermaid jealous. It's all in preparation for another amazing journey, a pilgrimage to York!
You see, my loves, this year has been one of major excitement. Since my last trip to York last summer (the one where I nearly got stuck in a horse-drawn carriage due to a runaway hair extension!) my schedule has been packed with incredible gigs. From festivals in Brighton to town fairs in Canterbury, I've been twirling, dazzling, and spreading the pink tutu love everywhere I go! (Remember, my ultimate mission in life is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu. It's a movement, I tell you! 😉)
But this trip to York, it’s a special one. York is like a little slice of fairy tale - a walled city filled with ancient secrets, cobblestone streets that whisper stories, and majestic buildings that reach for the sky. And for a pink-tutu-loving soul like myself, it's absolutely dreamy! I always feel a little bit of magic swirling around me when I step into this glorious city, and it seems to give me an extra bounce in my twirl!
But what was actually on the agenda? Well, my gorgeous darlings, let me tell you! I'm in York to…
1) Catch a Show (and then some!)
I’m absolutely obsessed with the ballet - the delicate moves, the sweeping costumes, the powerful emotions. It speaks to my heart in a way no other art form can! So, naturally, the moment I touched down in York, I raced over to the Grand Opera House to see the mesmerising "Sleeping Beauty." Let me tell you, my darlings, it was like being transported to a different world. I actually ended up having a little giggle with the audience because (whisper it) my big pink tutu had to be strategically adjusted mid-show. Who says you can’t bring a bit of cheeky fun to a high-brow event? 😜
But York isn’t all about traditional ballet. My love for all things stagey extends to the wonderful world of dance theatre, too! I popped along to a breathtaking production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" put on by the brilliant York Dance Academy. It was utterly charming – with a playful twist on the classic Shakespearean tale and just enough contemporary choreography to get those toes tapping!
2) Shop ‘Til I Drop (In Pink, Naturally!)
No trip to York is complete without a visit to Shambles - that cobbled street full of cute little shops crammed together with colourful flowers and delectable smells. I’m telling you, my loves, it’s a sight for sore eyes! Of course, my visit wouldn’t be complete without a shopping spree, so I spent a gloriously long afternoon sifting through the independent boutiques, scouring the vintage stalls, and, of course, indulging in some well-deserved retail therapy!
I picked up a handful of quirky accessories for my latest stage wardrobe, a vibrant pink fascinator that would make any princess jealous, and some super-soft ballet slippers (in shocking pink, obviously!). You know, darling, there's just something about stepping out in York in a beautiful outfit and feeling like a character in a book!
3) Soak Up the Atmosphere (and The Architecture!)
It's not just about the shows and shops for me, darling! I live for the ambiance, the atmosphere! York has this indescribable charm that grabs you and pulls you in. I love the way the sunbeams bathe the stone buildings in a warm glow, how the gentle river glides past the ancient walls, and how the air buzzes with the energy of people from all walks of life. It's like stepping into a painting, a beautiful, historical canvas bursting with vibrant life!
Naturally, I took the chance to explore some of York’s most stunning landmarks. I strolled across the historic York Minster – the majesty of the cathedral just takes my breath away every time! I meandered along the Shambles, feeling the warmth of history in the cobblestones under my feet. And of course, I wandered through the historic streets, discovering hidden alleys and charming courtyards, and marveling at the sheer scale and intricacy of the ancient walls that have guarded this city for centuries!
4) Indulge in Yorkshire Delights (and I Mean EVERYTHING!)
But darling, a visit to York just wouldn’t be the same without indulging in a feast for the senses! From steaming mugs of hot chocolate in cosy cafes to delectable plates of afternoon tea, to the oh-so-yummy Yorkshire puddings filled with roast beef, it was a culinary adventure for the ages! I swear, I have a newfound love for Yorkshire, which isn't saying much seeing as I'm a born-and-bred Derbyshire girl! 😂
5) Ride the Rails (In Style!)
Of course, as a pink-tutu-clad, vintage-loving soul, I had to journey to York by train. I love the romantic, old-fashioned feel of train travel - the rhythmic chugging, the steam rising, the sense of adventure.
This time, I went for the full “vintage" experience - stepping aboard a beautifully restored steam engine. Think velvet seats, antique luggage racks, and that wonderful aroma of coal and iron – perfect! And let me tell you, my darlings, it made me feel like a true princess. After all, every journey is better with a touch of glamour! 😉
But Here’s the Real Tea, Darlings!
Even though I’ve had such an incredible time, and my heart is filled with sparkle and wonder, I’m actually a little sad to leave this magical city. I could stay in York forever! It’s always filled with kindness, laughter, and the sweetest aroma of Yorkshire puddings… and you know, my loves, the world could use a whole lot more kindness and laughter, don't you think?
Maybe I should open up a little pink tutu shop here... what do you think? 💖
Until Next Time…
So that’s it for York this time, but rest assured I’ll be back! After all, York’s charms never grow old. As I head back to Derbyshire to get back to my science-lab shenanigans (by day, I'm a textile scientist testing fabric for quality! It’s a surprising secret life for a drag queen, I know! ), I'm already planning my next escapade to this charming city.
So keep an eye out, my gorgeous darlings, because this Pink Tutu Sparkles will always find a way to return to her favourite haven – York! 💖
See you all soon, and remember – keep your hearts open, your spirits bright, and your closets filled with plenty of sparkly pink tutus! 😉
Love always,
Pink Tutu Sparkles
(PS. Check out www.pink-tutu.com to see all the photos from my incredible adventures! You’ll never believe some of the outfits I’ve pulled together! 👠👗✨ )
