Hello, darlings! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, reporting live from the magical, slightly rainy, but still gloriously pink streets of Altrincham! 🦩
It's Friday the 16th of December, and this little queen is feeling festive AF! As you know, dear readers, this is post number 8386 for the #TutuQueen – I do love a good number! 💖 I'm a bit of a creature of habit, and this year, as I’ve become quite accustomed to, the December pre-Christmas period is filled with performing, tutus, and traveling around the UK, taking in all the beauty, especially the festive kind, that Britain has to offer! ✨
I must admit, Altrincham was a bit of a surprise. A delightful surprise, to be precise! I'd never been before, so when my friend, Dolly Darling (that’s her real name! Fancy, huh? 💁♀️) told me I should absolutely come, well, it wouldn’t be fair to say I hesitated – let’s just say I leaped at the opportunity! She'd been on a girlie trip with a couple of other queens from Manchester a few weeks back and raved about how fabulous the market was. Apparently, it's an absolute haven for unique vintage and quirky gifts, which I simply couldn't resist! My dressing table at home is practically bursting with trinkets and sparkly little treasures from all my travels – I'm quite the collector of unique things!
Speaking of unique things, Altrincham didn't disappoint! The market was an explosion of colours, smells, and festive cheer! You know I love my colours – it's pink first and foremost, but I've always loved bright and beautiful patterns. They call Altrincham the 'Little Artisan' because of the lovely small boutiques and independent shops in the Market Quarter. 🎁 My head almost exploded with excitement as I wandered through rows upon rows of beautifully crafted jewellery, handmade soaps, hand-painted ceramics, and of course, vintage clothes. It was the kind of market you could get easily lost in, and, let’s face it, this queen doesn't mind getting lost at all, especially when there’s sparkle and joy to be found around every corner! 💎
But, as much as I love the shopping, there was also an element of calm that I adored. Despite all the people, the bustle, and the festive hustle, it was actually quite tranquil. I love the sense of history in towns like Altrincham. There’s an old town hall that looks absolutely magical – it's actually quite a popular location for weddings – just imagine getting married in a place that looks like it's straight out of a fairytale! 🥰 And the architecture? My dear readers, just simply beautiful – they say you don’t get it unless you live in Cheshire, but for me, just wandering around these old buildings felt like a bit of magic, which makes the sparkle even brighter for me! 💖
I'd heard about this new development, ‘Altrincham Exchange’, which I had to check out too! They've transformed a former office space into an entertainment and lifestyle hub! Imagine all the trendy new bars and restaurants I got to explore! And don't even get me started on the shopping! This place had some fabulous high street stores as well as some indie fashion boutiques that just shouted "Pink Tutu Sparkle" – so of course, I had to pop in, in my pink sparkly fabulous self! 🛍️
Now, Altrincham isn't exactly the first place you’d think of when you say "Tutu," so when I saw it in the "Where's Pink Tutu Sparkle heading today" spreadsheet, I had a quick Google. And what did I discover? A stunningly beautiful theatre in the heart of Altrincham! 💖 I felt a little pang of "How did I not know this already?!" But it seems I'm not the only one. Altrincham's theatre is known as a true local treasure, known for supporting both local and professional theatre, including a big ballet season. Needless to say, that evening, this queen was treated to the most exquisite ballet performance by a company that travelled in all the way from Manchester.
I felt my inner ballerina come alive. Oh, the magic, the grace, the movement! 🩰 You know I have a little obsession with ballerinas, but I really can't help it! 🩰🩰🩰 There’s nothing more stunning than seeing them dance – even more so in such a gorgeous setting. I really felt like I had stepped into a storybook!
Let’s be honest though, the show had one massive advantage – it meant I had an excuse to get my dance on, darling! Now, we’ve established that I'm a bit of a "ballet at heart" queen, but you'll be thrilled to know that I can be found in a ballet class from time to time, practicing those pirouettes and fouettés! And you guessed it – in my signature pink tutu! Because why wouldn’t you? Life is all about the glitter, darling, and a good, full pink tutu is certainly my version of sparkly joy!
The dance world feels like another one of my worlds – the stage, the lighting, the applause! It all fits! It's just magic! And with this lovely performance at the theatre, it was no exception – a bit of magical pink-tutu-inspired bliss! 💃
Now, for those who know me – travelling is an important part of this Queen's life. I love seeing the world, and for me, the most fabulous way to get there is by train or on horseback – you know what I mean, right? It's an excuse for another outfit! (But, you guys, when isn’t it?) And so, after a bit of a relaxing afternoon exploring, it was time to set off. I had planned to get to Altrincham via train – that way, I had more time to admire the countryside and see all the charming villages nestled amongst the fields! I have to say, Derbyshire has some stunning scenery! I spent the entire journey looking out the window – it felt as though time itself had stopped – all you could hear were the rhythmic clatter of the wheels and my thoughts of sparkle and pink. It's honestly one of the most magical ways to travel! And so, I bid farewell to the pretty streets and beautiful theatre and said goodbye to Altrincham, with my usual thought of “when will I be back, dear, fabulous, twinkling, Altrincham?!” 💖
And there you have it, darling – another adventure! This Queen has been to so many incredible places and, with my blog, I can share all those little bits of pink joy with you, my fellow glitter fans! 🦩🌸
From one sparkly queen to another, you know where to find me – I'm online everyday! Check out my website www.pink-tutu.com or, for more impromptu updates, check out my daily vlog on YouTube. I love sharing the glitz and the glam, but what makes it special are all you wonderful folks out there who embrace the sparkle with me! 💕
Love, Pink Tutu Sparkles 💖
