Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here, and I'm buzzing with excitement about my latest adventure - a trip to Bilston! You see, my love for travelling, like a ballerina across the stage, is only matched by my passion for exploring new places and spreading the pink tutu love!
This post is about a real journey, not just a virtual one - I'm ditching the internet and travelling to the Midlands on a good ol' fashioned train ride, just like those fairytale princesses you see in ballet! It's a classic form of travel for this Queen - there's just something magical about a train journey. You see, I'm not just about glitter and tulle, darlings. While some drag queens are driven by cars or ride in limos, I prefer to embrace the rhythm of the rails. A little slower, maybe, but definitely more enchanting, like a graceful pirouette through the countryside!
I have to admit, Bilston was a bit of a surprise for me. I usually favour cities brimming with theatre lights and roaring crowds, but the charming town of Bilston has its own unique charm. This place has a rich industrial past that’s not only fascinating, but has a gritty, yet endearing, beauty about it, just like a good stage production!
But my adventures in Bilston are about far more than just the history, it's about the people. And my fellow pink tutu enthusiasts are truly a sight to behold. The streets were a rainbow of colours with local folks embracing individuality in the most fabulously British way! There's something special about seeing a granddad in a pink tutu, a grandma in sparkly tights, a toddler twirling a miniature tutus! It’s a real sign that the pink tutu message of acceptance and individuality is really spreading! It just makes this Queen so happy to see that.
As for my own attire for this journey, well, I went with my signature pink tulle creation. A layered affair, this time embellished with little sequin butterflies that flitted and shimmered as I navigated the streets, capturing attention and laughter wherever I went. And let me tell you, a pink tutu makes for a fabulous conversation starter! You wouldn't believe the number of "oohs" and "aahs" I heard as I wandered around town. And that's not even mentioning the fabulous Bilston ladies who actually had me on my way to get a fabulously pink hair dye! This town knows how to dress for success!
Speaking of dress, Bilston also proved a veritable treasure trove for a queen like me. I discovered the most darling vintage shop with enough flamboyant lace and velvet to keep even the most seasoned drag artist occupied for days! There, I snagged the perfect accessory for my pink tutu collection – a vintage silver charm bracelet adorned with delicate tiny ballet shoes, the epitome of ballerina elegance.
While I indulged in some delightful retail therapy, I couldn't pass up the chance to share my passion for the pink tutu with the people of Bilston. My performances in the town were absolutely fabulous, darlings! I set up a makeshift stage in the local park, surrounded by kids playing and people strolling by. You can imagine the looks of delight and bewilderment as I twirled, flipped, and sang about the magical power of pink tutus. Let me tell you, nothing warms this Queen's heart quite like the happy smiles of children dancing along to my music.
It wasn’t just about performance, though. Bilston is, you see, one of the most famous places for the oldest tradition of producing and trading buttons in the UK! Well, how could I resist popping into some of those shops, looking for that special button for a new pink tutu creation! It turns out, Bilston button makers love their art, and you wouldn’t believe the beautiful selection, ranging from those for coats and jeans to beautiful ones suitable for fine art wear, and a surprising amount in pretty pink tones. Of course, my eyes lit up! You have no idea how much fun I had, sifting through antique boxes for perfect accents for my future performances. I feel like Bilston is giving me even more inspiration for future projects – how do you take a classic pink tutu, maybe a bit old fashioned, and give it an entirely modern feel? My search in Bilston has started a creative process I know will last for weeks, until I finally discover the perfect design, with the help of a couple of these stunning vintage Bilston buttons.
But here's the real highlight of my Bilston adventure: a visit to the world-famous Bilston Museum, housed in an old, converted Victorian pub, right at the heart of this fabulous town. You'd be surprised, but it boasts an entire section dedicated to, well, you guessed it, pink tutus! I know, right?! Just kidding.
While the Museum is pretty well stocked on relics from its industrial past, there are surprisingly no pink tutus! Instead, I stumbled across some of the most unique antique jewellery – it was absolutely breathtaking! It was almost like the costume jewellery section for the most incredible fairy tales you can imagine – and the price tags just about justified that too. Of course, it's not like a pink tutu can make itself, darling, so I left the museum with not just a purse lighter, but also with a brand new piece of costume jewellery that could be perfect for a very special future Pink Tutu Sparkles look!
So, to summarise: Bilston, a fantastic and surprising place that I'll always remember for its colourful streets, kind people, a love for creativity and my perfect jewellery find. And guess what? That evening, as the stars glittered above the town, I stood backstage, ready to take the stage in a newly-acquired pink tutu from a shop in town, ready to show everyone the dazzling side of Bilston.
What can I say, I just can't wait to explore more hidden gems and spread the pink tutu joy on my next trip. After all, travelling is like a performance, you need to always go the extra mile!
Until next time, keep on twirling, keep on shining, and keep that pink tutu ready to rock the world!
Love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles 💖✨
