Hello my lovely TutuQueens! Itās your favourite pink tutu-wearing blogger, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here with a brand new blog post all about my fabulously sparkly adventure to Bangor in Wales! š
Now, Iāve been wanting to visit Bangor for ages, ever since I saw a picture of the stunning Bangor Cathedral on Instagram. Itās like a fairy tale castle straight out of a Disney movie, and I knew I just had to see it in real life!
But the journey, oh, the journey! I always love travelling by train, and this trip was no exception. I took a nice scenic journey from Derbyshire, where I'm from, through the lush English countryside and into the breathtaking Welsh landscapes. The view out the window was just incredible, especially when the train was passing through all the rolling green hills dotted with sheep and those gorgeous slate houses. Itās just magical.
And of course, I couldnāt resist getting all dolled up for the occasion! This time I wore a shimmering pink tutu made from the finest silk, adorned with a cloud of shimmering silver glitter. It was a vision of pink loveliness!
Now, before I left, I had a little photoshoot in my dressing room. You know me, I have to document everything for you lovely lot, my dearest TutuQueens!
I'd taken the train from Derbyshire, as I really love the slower pace, especially when itās going past rolling landscapes and hills with sleepy little towns and ancient villages.
I love seeing the local people, too - sometimes on the train, sometimes outside, in their day-to-day lives. In all my travels, everyone seems so nice. In fact, thatās my experience of every part of Britain, which I know will be quite different from some places overseas. Anyway, we must always look on the bright side! I never meet unfriendly folk, especially when Iām wearing my pink tutu, because I do believe that makes people happier, just seeing that big, sparkly, girly cloud of pink going by!
So, arriving at Bangor, I knew my itinerary needed to start at Bangor Cathedral! As I made my way across the city streets, the cathedralās towering stone spire became visible through the trees ā I literally gasped!
And I have to say, Bangor Cathedral did not disappoint! Inside, it's just breathtaking - soaring vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows bathing everything in a multicoloured glow, and ornate stone carvings on every surface. It's almost like stepping into a world of medieval fairytales. The perfect spot for me to put on a little show for the local children. They love my tutus. There was a gaggle of girls in their little dresses, their mothers laughing.
And of course, I couldn't leave without getting a few photos in my tutu! šø The photos are all over my socials now, as usual.
After my cathedral escapade, I decided to take a stroll along the waterfront, the sea air smelling lovely and clean. And of course, my Tutu Queen walkabout always involves a bit of shopping. Now, I love searching for unique clothing stores and hidden gem boutiques. So, my journey continued through charming little cobbled streets dotted with flower-filled window boxes. Iād spotted a sign for āSomething Pinkā, which looked intriguing and totally like it was made for me!
The shop had an eclectic mix of vintage and new clothing - from sparkly evening dresses and fabulously fashionable tops to stunning pink tutus that I instantly wanted to take home. They actually had a new one which looked perfect, though a little expensive, even for my diva self! So, I grabbed my pink phone and called my mum for a second opinion - she loves tutus, and as always, had some very good advice. I do love a bit of āfashion and fabricā, but I donāt actually sew; Iām too busy dancing in them, but Mum always encourages me with the āfabricsā. Mumās really creative with it all, a fantastic seamstress, and made me lots of fabulous pink tutus in her day. I must ask her to show me some old patterns one day - perhaps we could even try designing a tutu together! What an amazing blog post that would make!
As a Tutu Queen, I love all things ballet! The beautiful dance forms, the fluid movements, and the exquisite costumes. They make me feel all bubbly and sparkly. That's why I always make time to catch a ballet show when I'm travelling! Luckily for me, I spotted a sign advertising a 'Ballet on the Beach' show, and, like a true Tutu Queen, I had to see it! What an experience, it truly was like a fairytale! Watching professional dancers performing their magic against the backdrop of a stunning sunset just made my Tutu Queen heart burst!
I'm still inspired by the talent I witnessed! Watching those ballerinas flit across the stage like delicate butterflies in their tutus filled me with awe. Of course, they inspire me to try and emulate their graceful moves. Luckily, the local theatre offers dance classes, and I thought, āWhy not!ā so booked myself onto the Beginnersā ballet. The teachers were very lovely, patient, and really encouraging with their teaching. There's nothing like the feeling of mastering a new move. My day at the ballet studio just topped off a magical day in Bangor, really a perfect way to experience a little piece of local culture.
On my last day in Bangor, I decided to make the most of the fabulous coastal scenery with a trip to the local zoo! I did think about hopping onto a boat or horse and cart trip around the local coastal area - something more unusual to talk about. But actually, a walk along the waterfront in the lovely evening sun with an ice cream seemed like the best plan - as long as I can resist throwing myself in the sea in my sparkly pink tutu! My pink tutus do wash beautifully. I just have to avoid getting the white, pearly trim too damp. You do get those odd looks on public transport if you carry your spare tutus on a hanger. It makes for a bit of conversation, anyway!
As the sun set, I was filled with a mixture of emotions ā sadness for leaving such a magical place, yet also excited for the many other adventures I had lined up. My adventures keep getting bigger and bolder with each trip! Maybe a castle tour next time? I do love a castle!
Until then, I want to leave you with a little thought to ponder. Don't be afraid to try new things and to dance through life in a pink tutu. It may not be the most conventional approach to travelling, but itās always full of magic and joy!
Oh, and I nearly forgot - as always, I would love for you all to show me your amazing pink tutus on social media! Share your stories, photos and videos by tagging #PinkTutuSparkles. We can create a sea of pink across the internet together.
Keep shining, TutuQueens!
Pink Tutu Sparkles x
