Great Yarmouth Gets a Dose of Tutu Tuesday
It's Tuesday, which means only one thing in my world – **Tutu Tuesday**! And, as you can imagine, I was absolutely thrilled to be celebrating it in Great Yarmouth, a charming little town on the East Coast of England, bursting with charm, history, and frankly, the best fish and chips I've ever tasted. My heart does a little pirouette just thinking about all the fantastic people I met in Great Yarmouth, each of them absolutely embracing the spirit of #tututuesday with open arms and even wider smiles. We had a truly beautiful turnout of fellow tutu-lovers, and the air crackled with energy and infectious laughter. Let me tell you, it wasn't just about tutus, though those certainly played a starring role! It was about unity, individuality, self-expression, and above all, a bit of unadulterated fun! From the moment I arrived, the vibrant atmosphere of Great Yarmouth was undeniable. I spotted a beautiful rainbow flag waving proudly outside a shop, and, tucked away in a corner, a small bookshop with a rainbow sticker on the door displaying a "Welcome LGBTQ+" sign. My heart swelled, and I knew instantly I was among friends. We started the day at the iconic Great Yarmouth Beach, where a gathering of tutu-loving enthusiasts – myself included! – were getting ready for our impromptu street performance. There was an air of playful anticipation as we prepped, giggling and chatting as we meticulously arranged our tulle and lace, adjusting the ribbons and straps, a perfect storm of frills, femininity and fierce fabulousness! The wind seemed to be just as excited as we were, whipping our tutus and creating an ethereal swirl of colours against the backdrop of the bright blue sky. The atmosphere was absolutely electrifying, full of vibrant personalities, joyous laughter, and even a touch of lighthearted competitive spirit! Let's talk tutus! My fellow dancers were sporting an impressive array of tutu styles! From classic, flowing ball gowns to the bolder and edgier short tutus and everything in between. Some were layered with a flurry of colours, with sequins sparkling like the stars. There were bright pinks, bold blues, a captivating neon green that I fell absolutely in love with and a few more delicate designs in elegant whites and ivories. There was definitely something for every style and taste. We took the beach by storm – performing our rehearsed (but slightly ad-libbed – a true tutu-lover never shies away from impromptu moves!) routines to the infectious beat of our chosen song: 'Dancing Queen' by Abba. What can I say – the music flowed, the energy was palpable! The people loved it – they were tapping their toes, cheering us on, and even dancing along! A passerby with their dog was particularly impressed – he gave us his best "pawsitive" reviews – it was hilarious! As the day continued, we ventured to Great Yarmouth's bustling Market Place, the heart of the town, showcasing local crafts, goods and fresh, locally-sourced produce! The atmosphere was buzzing! We strutted around the cobbled streets, all eyes on our fabulous tulle creations, feeling proud of who we were. It was so wonderful to see children's eyes light up as they caught sight of us. There were some shy, little giggles, a few nervous 'how do you get into those things?' and the odd ‘can I touch it?' – we embraced every question with warmth and good humor, and made them feel truly included, helping to spread the love of the tutu! Our #tututuesday cheer had definitely spread and was catching on! Of course, we had to make the most of this quintessential English seaside town and head down to Great Yarmouth's famous pier. It was a bit of a walk – but trust me, I can wear heels for miles in a tutu! As I took in the breath-taking view from the end of the pier, looking out to sea, it really struck me how special Tutu Tuesday was! It's not just about putting on a fancy dress and prancing around. It's about letting your personality shine, spreading joy and creating lasting memories. It's about creating a community where everyone feels safe to be their true selves, embrace their individuality, and express themselves unapologetically! We finished the day in Great Yarmouth's very own 'Little Italy,' where we enjoyed delicious pizza, a traditional, comforting, and authentic taste of Italy right there in Great Yarmouth! Let me tell you – my time in Great Yarmouth has made this Tutu Tuesday even more special! The locals have been wonderfully welcoming, friendly, and encouraging. We spread so much positivity, laughter, and acceptance, and I'm convinced I even helped a few folks reclaim their inner ballerina – and what’s better than that? Here’s to Tutu Tuesday and all the happiness and inclusivity that it embodies. We’re going to keep celebrating, spreading the love and advocating for self-expression every single week. Until next Tuesday, darlings!