Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we celebrate all things pink, sparkly, and twirly! Today, I'm thrilled to be whisking you away on a journey to the heart of Northumberland, a region renowned for its rugged beauty and... coal mines! Yes, darlings, your fabulous Pink Tutu Sparkles, fresh off the train from Derby (those plush seats really do add an air of sophistication, don't you think?), is venturing into a world a little less pink and sparkly, but still incredibly exciting.
My journey to Ashington began, as all my best journeys do, with a passion for fashion and a whole lot of sparkle. You see, darlings, I have a rather strong affinity for tutus. Not just any tutu, mind you, but the grand, fabulous, full-skirted, perfectly pink tutu! And you know what they say: if you're going to wear a tutu, you might as well go all out.
As always, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Sparkles adventure without some dazzling attire. This time around, my travel ensemble was inspired by a vintage Victorian silhouette with a modern twist. Imagine a fluffy pink tulle skirt with layers upon layers of soft, gauzy layers, perfectly matched with a fitted velvet bodice in a deep sapphire blue. A dazzling rhinestone brooch shimmered on the neckline, catching the sunlight (or rather, the reflected glare off the train windows!) and lending a touch of regal elegance to the whole affair. And naturally, no Pink Tutu Sparkles outfit is complete without a generous smattering of sparkles - the more, the merrier, as I always say!
Once I arrived in Ashington, it was time for a bit of local exploration. Now, Ashington may not have the Eiffel Tower or the Tower Bridge, but its charms are hidden in the gritty charm of a working-class town. The locals, all with that rugged charm you find in the north, were incredibly welcoming, their warmth like a big hug wrapped in tweed and woolly hats.
The highlight of my trip? Well, how could I resist a visit to the Ashington Museum? I confess, the industrial history of coal mining wasn't quite my usual cup of tea. But it was fascinating to see how this region was so deeply intertwined with the coal industry, its history woven into the fabric of the town's identity. They even had a display about a local women's club who made beautiful clothing and garments for the local community. My imagination ran wild! Imagine Pink Tutu Sparkles on display in a little glass case, nestled among other local talent. Perhaps one day!
After my historical immersion, it was time for a change of scenery. A local told me about the Ashington Cemetery, not just for the lovely Victorian tombstones but also for its unusual beauty, tucked away on a hill overlooking the town, its grassy slopes gently rolling into the distance. It felt like a breath of fresh air, the stillness a lovely contrast to the bustling heart of Ashington.
Now, I may not be the most adventurous when it comes to cuisine, but my inner child loves to sample new things. My lunch adventure took me to a local bakery where I indulged in a truly indulgent homemade quiche, and to my surprise, it was a delicious twist on traditional quiche recipes. My tastebuds were truly tantalised by its unexpected twist! I must say, I haven't felt this excited about a food experience since my last visit to a patisserie in Paris (remember my post about that pink macaron pyramid?!).
As evening settled in, I headed to my performance space: the wonderfully warm and inviting Queen's Hall. It's one of those lovely venues that whispers of history and charm. The stage lights shimmered, a promise of magic to come. Before taking to the stage, I spent some time exploring Ashington's colourful local shops. A whole afternoon could be spent discovering treasures in these shops, each one a little world unto itself.
But then it was time to shine! You know how I love a grand entrance, and this was no exception. I strutted onto the stage in a shimmering, cerulean blue gown adorned with layers upon layers of dazzling turquoise tulle. I channeled all the glitter and grace of a glamorous mermaid, swaying to the music with the grace and elegance of a ballerina, all while effortlessly sprinkling the audience with glitter and joyous energy. I must say, Ashington welcomed me with open arms and lots of smiles and laughter. You see, at the end of the day, Pink Tutu Sparkles believes that bringing a touch of magic and sparkle to the world, whether it's through dance, song, or just a sprinkle of glitter, is a cause worth embracing.
And yes, I did wear a pink tutu during my act. Because that's my calling in life, my darlings: to spread the love of pink tutus across the globe, one performance at a time!
If you find yourself in Ashington, take the time to soak up its industrial charm and find its little pockets of beauty. You'll discover warmth and beauty that might just surprise you. Remember, darling, as always, stay sparkly, and wear a pink tutu if you get the chance!
See you on the next stop! Pink Tutu Sparkles xx
