Hello darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, ready to share another fabulous adventure with you! You might remember that I recently told you about my plans to sashay my way to the vibrant town of Consett – well, the day finally arrived, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!
As always, a little peek behind the sparkly curtain: This is post number 7470 on the ever-growing www.pink-tutu.com, which means another day, another stunning pink tutu outfit, and another opportunity to spread the joy of tulle! I'm not going to lie, it was quite the whirlwind getting ready. With my usual glamorous morning routine (think three layers of pink eye shadow and an impressive display of fake eyelashes) it's a tight squeeze to catch the train! You'd be surprised how much makeup takes, you know? (It's really just magic and a good dose of self-love!)
But, darling, nothing could stop me from gracing Consett with my presence. And honestly, my darlings, there's no place like the journey to a show! There’s something just magical about that train carriage window, that constant sense of moving, of travelling towards a new place and a new audience. And who says you can't be a fashionista on a train? The matching pink turban, the eye-catching pink and silver glittery handbag, the fluffy pink scarf... all carefully coordinated of course!
Speaking of glittery handbags... it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Sparkles trip without a bag packed full of fabulous surprises! You never know who you might meet, so a Pink Tutu Sparkles tote bag filled with my very own hand-designed, glitter-encrusted bookmarks, colourful key chains with a Pink Tutu Sparkles twist, and tiny hand-sewn tutus to share is a MUST. I mean, just imagine: you're enjoying a lovely cream tea, when you accidentally knock your phone into a plate of scones – tragedy! – but in my handy little pink sparkly bag, a tiny pink tutu makes its grand appearance and saves the day! You might not be a full-fledged "TutuQueen" yourself, but we can start with a little, can't we?
And just to give you an inside peek into how the fabulous Pink Tutu Sparkles magic happens: It's all down to meticulous planning and an arsenal of accessories, darlings! Remember, a little sparkle goes a long way!
This trip I even added a 'Pink Tutu Sparkle' personalised pink suitcase. I may be an advocate for spreading the joy of tulle, but my darlings, a well-coordinated pink suitcase just screams "Fashionista Queen" in every station! (Just picture that airport security scanner going "Beeeeeep! Attention all passengers: pink suitcase incoming!")
I really love trains. But I've gotta tell you, the other way to travel to a new venue? That's on horseback, darling! This, I confess, can be tricky, especially in my flamboyant gowns. A real skill required, a balancing act! But let me tell you, it's an incredible experience. Wind in your hair, sunshine on your face, you're a true fairy queen on her way to a glittering spectacle. That said, sometimes, even in the name of fashion, you need a little practicality. It wouldn't do to ride through Consett in my sparkling, pink princess outfit. That’s why my secret weapon – a travel bag, big enough for all my showstopping accessories! You wouldn't believe how many sequins I have to stash away!
But speaking of fashion and sparkles, let’s talk Consett!
Consett
Darling, when I think of Consett, I think of "charming," "characterful," and "cosmopolitan." It’s this vibrant little pocket of brilliance nestled in the heart of the County Durham! (A shout-out to all my Yorkshire and North-East lovelies!) You might not be surprised to know that I'm drawn to places that embrace a certain vintage charm. That's why Consett, with its history in mining and steelworks, resonated so deeply with me!
Of course, I have a deep love for everything beautiful, but I truly believe that there is beauty in every corner of life, from a grand manor to a crumbling industrial ruin. The past of a place contributes to its charm! And, my darlings, Consett has so much history, you'd think it had an extensive makeup collection! It's truly like stepping back in time!
Consett was an absolute joy to explore. I just love the feeling of history swirling around me, each brick, each alleyway whispering stories. That being said, darling, when I'm travelling as Pink Tutu Sparkles, I do find myself drawn to specific sights. As I've mentioned before, ballet, theatre, fashion – you name it!
Now, there were several spots I made a beeline for on my trip, and every single one was brimming with the magic I just adore:
- The Empire Theatre
Oh, darling, the Empire Theatre is like a diamond in the rough! It was an absolute must-visit for me, a piece of local history so charming, so dramatic, it almost begged me to twirl. Just imagine a venue with a 1910s-style grand opening, an Edwardian era setting – it really captured my heart. You could almost hear the echoes of the past; you just had to let your imagination take you on a wild adventure, back in time to a dazzling gala of Victorian elegance!
This grand space just feels like an absolute celebration of the dramatic, the theatrical. A real homage to a time when art, elegance, and theatre all came together to create something truly spectacular. I had such a magical time stepping through its grand entrance; honestly, I just wanted to skip into each corner, let my inner dramatic diva run free and take centre stage in a captivating performance!
- The Consett Library:
Every TutuQueen needs her books! Of course, as Pink Tutu Sparkles I love a good story. What better place to find inspiration, to immerse yourself in another world, and fuel that creative spark? There's just something about a good old-fashioned library, about the feeling of rows upon rows of books promising adventure, romance, and countless tales!
I simply had to step into this vibrant little piece of culture – not just because I was on the lookout for a great read (a must for every fashion-forward girl, isn't it?) – but because this building boasts so much history. Every corner, every worn armchair feels like a character from another era! The smell of old books and that feeling of time passing by, of stories quietly whispered, I felt completely at home, almost ready to slip on a fluffy pink tutu, grab my favourite paperback, and sit back to dream about some spectacular new adventures.
And who knows, I might even pen a new story for pink-tutu.com inspired by Consett itself. It’s not just a library, it’s a treasury of memories! And a little known fact – it was used as a bomb shelter! Now, isn't that incredible? We need to appreciate these structures from the past that have been around longer than our love for glitter, darling!
- The Consett Art Gallery and Museum:
Let me tell you, darlings! There is truly magic in exploring something new. You never know what beauty you might find tucked away in the heart of a place! For a true TutuQueen, art and style go hand-in-hand, a little artistic inspiration helps keep my look, well... fabulous. But, oh darlings, you might not believe this, but the history behind this particular gallery is truly extraordinary! I'm talking about an original chapel – you heard that right, a chapel! Can you imagine the grand halls of a place of worship transformed into a haven for artistic expression? It’s breathtaking! This blend of history, tradition, and modern art - a beautiful expression of creativity and an ever-evolving space – simply blew me away.
Just imagine! A church dedicated to the art of creation - isn't that wonderfully poetic? It's as if the past is lending its charm to inspire the artists of the future! And believe me, darlings, the museum itself had an air of quiet intensity – an air of reflection and contemplation – the perfect place for any aspiring artist or art enthusiast to let their imagination take flight! I'm absolutely convinced every artist needs a space like this – somewhere that fosters creative exploration. It was a true delight for my creative soul! Of course, the artwork, it spoke to me - vivid, colourful pieces filled with stories of human spirit! My TutuQueen senses just buzzed with excitement. Just think: the vibrant history of the gallery mixed with the stunning art pieces created a perfect symphony of light, colour, and style! Oh, how it made me want to unleash my creative spirit and sketch my own magnificent pieces! Perhaps, in my very own sparkling pink style, with a splash of tutu magic, of course!
- Consett’s Public Spaces and Parks:
But a TutuQueen wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon tea in a sunny park, wouldn't she? After a long day of sightseeing and exploring this charming town, there's no place better to unwind than a green oasis in the heart of Consett!
My afternoon at Consett’s vibrant green spaces, especially Belle Vue Park – ah, that beautiful Victorian space! - was just what I needed, and not just for the gorgeous afternoon tea! This was my chance to relax and reflect upon all the sights I'd seen. The trees rustling in the gentle breeze, the aroma of freshly cut grass – it was so soothing, I could practically hear my glitter shimmering. Now, you may wonder: What does Pink Tutu Sparkles enjoy in a green oasis? It's all about taking a moment to find a quiet nook in the garden – my favorite way to wind down. But, being Pink Tutu Sparkles, I like my peace and quiet in a fabulous pink floral dress and an elegant vintage parasol, and yes, you guessed it - all adorned with sparkling pink butterflies and tiny little tutus of course!
A beautiful space for my dramatic diva self, as every single moment there was filled with a soft sense of harmony, the vibrant shades of green and vibrant shades of pink – a perfect match, don't you think? And let me tell you, when it comes to parkland, you just know, you are in the presence of some very ancient, beautiful stories!
The park provided such a relaxing, whimsical backdrop, where I could just relax, sip my tea, and think up even more wonderful adventures to tell my loyal readers! Oh, I even met a very kind, very curious little girl, who, guess what, thought I was a fairy! A tiny pink tutu from my bag and we had an instant connection.
It is absolutely magical how children connect to tutus, isn’t it? As Pink Tutu Sparkles, it warms my heart whenever I spread the joy of tulle and give kids a little glimpse of a wonderful world! I’m really trying to show people, it’s just not about a little bit of fabric; it’s about expressing yourself!
And for that young TutuQueen who just needed a little extra shimmer – I gave her my heart and a special glitter wand, for I’m always happy to give the spark of wonder! And you know, in her bright, beautiful, enthusiastic eyes, I saw my own passion mirrored back. It is that joy, the laughter and the delight that I treasure above all.
So, what are you waiting for, darlings? Don't be afraid to break free, let loose, and join the TutuQueen movement – you know what they say: if you have something special to show the world, share your love and put on your most fabulous tutu, let it shine. If you haven’t yet, you must head out, my dear, into the vibrant world and discover it with all its colourful magic and splendor!
I hope this little blog has given you a taste of the magic of Consett – it really did make me feel alive!
And oh darling, a quick message for those lovely TutuQueens in Derbyshire, who love everything pink as much as I do – I'll be in the neighbourhood soon! You just know it's going to be absolutely brilliant and we will have the most wonderful time!
Until next time, darlings, stay sparkly and let your hearts guide your every step! Remember, even the smallest thing, a smile, a tiny sparkle, or a colourful piece of tulle, can brighten the lives of all who are lucky enough to cross your path. You never know, you might even spark a little bit of TutuQueen magic within them!
Remember, stay tuned! And never, ever, stop sparkling!
