A little moment of byfabulous! Natalie McCulloch
Did you wake up this morning feeling fabulous? If the answer is no, or you feel you could feel more fabulous, please read on to discover the fantastic group which aims to help you feel as every bit fabulous as you deserve to! ‘Beauties in Bute’ was dreamed up in 2017 by three friends: Lili Del Fflur, Lana Del Red and Flossie Smalls – all of whom met through local dance troupe Cardiff Cabaret Club. The team may be small but has a big heart and two simple goals: 1. To create fun, easy-going events and safe, joyous spaces for people to explore self-love and selfexpression through fun clothing. 2. To raise money for Marie Curie Wales. It was at Cardiff Cabaret Club classes that ‘The Beauties’ also met Lorrainne, a fellow dancer, incredible costume maker and the inspiration for ‘Beauties in Bute’ events. Amazingly, Lorrainne continued to dance through her long battle with cancer which sadly ended in 2017. Throughout her journey with cancer, she was looked after by Marie Curie Wales which is why our events aim to give something back to their phenomenal charity.
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Flossie deduces, “Lorrainne had this incredible lust for life – she was so creative and generous, and she loved dancing. She never wanted to stop doing what she loved until she couldn’t. Marie Curie made an amazing short film about her love of Cardiff Cabaret Club and of life – and we too knew whatever we did to remember her, it had to be fun and fabulous.” “I just want quality - not huge amounts of time where I wouldn’t be me...I’m going to show you how to live” – Lorrainne The first event ‘Beauties in Bute’ hosted was a ‘pin-up picnic’ in Bute Park. Attendees brought their own food, dressed in vintage fashion and could enter a raffle which raised money for Marie Curie. After the success of that event, the format was one ‘Beauties in Bute’ have carried on, and they now host both summer and winter events as well as marching at Pride Cymru. They even hosted remote tea parties connected over video chat during lockdown. This year ‘the Beauties’ also held their first Cabaret event at the North Star pub featuring local burlesque and drag artists as well as song and poetry, with the performers kindly donating their time so all proceeds could go directly to their chosen charity. Since it began, ‘Beauties in Bute’ have raised thousands of pounds for Marie Curie and made a host of new friends and they are keen to keep up the amazing work!
