Hello my lovely darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing, sparkle-loving, dance-mad queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, coming to you live from the charming town of Ashton. Buckle up your ballet shoes, grab a pink feather boa and prepare for a dazzling journey!
This week, I've been whisked away to the heart of the Pennines, a picturesque setting that could have been straight out of a ballet scene! As you know, I simply adore the magic of travel, and I can’t get enough of the captivating beauty of a train journey. That soothing rhythmic clickety-clack of the tracks...it's like a soundtrack to my life! And you just can't beat the window views whizzing past. Plus, there’s something so stylish about a glamorous drag queen in a pink tutu and an impeccable hat boarding a train, wouldn't you agree?
But before I whisk you off to the wonders of Ashton, let’s rewind a little… My journey to Ashton started, as most of my adventures do, with a dash of sparkle and a sprinkle of serendipity. This particular performance was booked by the charming folk running the annual Ashton Fair. Yes, I'm talking about that fabulously flamboyant celebration of all things wonderful and local, full of traditional games, delicious local food, and, of course, some seriously sparkly entertainment!
It wasn't just the fair that drew me in. It was the enchanting Ashton Court Gardens. Imagine, if you will, manicured lawns, meandering paths, and stunning architecture set against a backdrop of rolling green hills. A true visual treat for a girl like me, obsessed with all things pink, fabulous, and frankly, a bit dreamy! I practically skipped the whole way to the park when I heard about it.
Speaking of pink, have you all seen my latest design? It's a glorious pink tulle creation with silver stars and a sparkling sequined bodice! I paired it with a bejeweled headpiece and matching pink lipstick, naturally. I had a feeling it was going to be a show-stopper and I wasn’t wrong. The crowd in Ashton loved it! The joy of being in Ashton was in its heart and community, just the best! There is no better feeling than bringing joy and smiles to all those around.
After my showstopping performance, I took the time to properly explore the beauty of Ashton, which I am very pleased to say included plenty of time for the fabulous art of shopping. I'm always on the lookout for exquisite fabrics, elegant accessories, and dazzling statement pieces. You’ll be seeing a new set of pink-tastic creations in the coming weeks – trust me on this one, they're sensational! And while I'm on the subject of shopping, you can't visit a town with such heritage without picking up some unique pieces! I snagged some stunning locally-made pottery (perfect for displaying my feather boas!), a handcrafted pink ribbon for my new tutu, and even a little charm bracelet for my new pink fluffy hat!
Ashton itself felt like it had a fascinating history woven through its streets. It has this delightful mix of traditional pubs, independent boutiques, and charming little tea rooms, each one oozing a quaint charm and offering something different to tempt your fancy. And of course, no visit to Ashton would be complete without a visit to the impressive Ashton-under-Lyne Parish Church. Standing proudly, like a beacon of history, it truly added an air of historical majesty to this already enchanting town.
After all the excitement of the day, my evenings were spent in Ashton’s buzzing theatre scene! I managed to squeeze in a few breathtaking ballet performances, which, if you know me, you know are right up my street! It was glorious to see talented dancers executing graceful moves to the accompaniment of elegant, beautiful music. I found myself getting swept away into the world of stories, emotions, and pure artistry, and it ignited a flame of inspiration in my own performance heart.
Oh, and did I mention that my ballet class in Ashton had a fantastic tutor, a truly brilliant dancer with such charisma and warmth? She showed me a few new tricks and helped me refine some of my spins! We had the most amazing time. This kind of sharing of passions with people who truly know what they are doing brings such happiness and joy!
A trip to Ashton would be amiss without experiencing the joy of horse riding, an activity close to my heart. I’m lucky to have ridden a horse since I was very young. My mom says that my first time riding a horse, when I was four years old, I came bounding home into the kitchen, announced I could now ride a horse, and was absolutely overjoyed. Well, the feeling hasn’t faded since, and to be able to ride a horse on these beautiful English landscapes… truly blissful!
I'll tell you, these past few days have truly been a magical experience! Ashton has shown me that true beauty can be found in unexpected places.
Before I go, I must tell you my grand plans for this evening. Tonight, I'll be attending a magnificent performance by the Ashton Opera Company, a delightful local production showcasing incredible voices and passionate performers! I can’t wait to be swept away by their talents and enjoy a touch of glamour right in the heart of Ashton.
As I said before, there’s always so much to see and experience. If you're thinking of visiting Ashton, let me share my top tips:
- Pink up your life! – It goes without saying, pack your favourite pink outfit for a sprinkle of sparkle, and bring a touch of glamour to your day.
- Dive into Ashton's history: The town is overflowing with rich history waiting to be discovered! There are charming old buildings to explore, museums to wander through, and endless tales of a fascinating past to be unraveled.
- Embrace the community spirit: Ashton boasts a vibrant and friendly community. Take the time to talk to locals, soak in the atmosphere, and get a glimpse of the heart and soul of the place.
- Indulge in the local delicacies: Treat yourself to some freshly-baked pastries, local artisan cheeses, and craft beers – your taste buds will thank you for it.
- Catch a show! The theatre scene is bursting with exciting performances, from captivating musicals and dramas to uplifting dance productions and mesmerizing classical music concerts.
- Get outdoors! The picturesque Ashton Court Gardens, or the expansive beauty of the English countryside provide the perfect setting for long walks, scenic bike rides, and leisurely picnics.
Until next time, darlings! Keep it pink, keep it fabulous, and most importantly, never forget the joy of twirling! Remember, your best days are yet to come!
With love and pink sprinkles, Pink Tutu Sparkles xoxo
