It was an evening which combined the two things that St. Andrews students just can’t seem to get enough of. Gumboots, wellies or Wellington boots by any other name, and balls. The traditional dinner went ahead as per usual, but the foodies in attendance, an extra twist this year meant that for those who missed out on the dinner ballot, official sponsor Hams Hame provided a three course dinner to be enjoyed in front of the 18th green on the Old Course, followed by joining in with the rest of the evening’s fun. The after party was held in the beautiful and picturesque Kinkell Byre (although its famed sea view was somewhat indiscernible in the darkness), a mere coach ride away from St. Andrews, which swelled the number of guests from 500 to 750.The event continued to be partnered with Emily Fruit Crisps, as well as new partnerships with Tunnock’s Tea Cakes and Mighty Bees Coconut Water. Being a charity event, proceeds went to the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.
Whereas the attire was black-tie from the knees up, the choice of footwear was more reminiscent of a day out in the fields, leaving the finished look as a cross between James Bond and a country squire. It was, however, a novelty, which was one of the reasons which made the evening so memorable. The location was a brightly-lit beacon in the dark and rather muddy November night, the wellies proving to be as practical as they were fashionable. Inside the venue with its aesthetically pleasing rustic brick walls and timbered ceilings, the guests were led through to the main hall, and the dance floor was flanked by a bar to each side. This was an immediate advantage as contrary to other balls where darkened floor space took up most of the venue, as they provided a well-lit place to relax and talk to the fellow ball-goers.
Upon eventually venturing onto the dance floor, the bands providing the soundtrack throughout the evening were “Model Aeroplanes”, “The Black Sheep Music Society”, “Ali Ellis” and “Joe Jones”, with the variety of music they provided meaning that there was something for everyone, whether your preference was disco or slow-dancing. Non-dancing related attractions included the food vans at the back of the venue which provided the hungry revellers with food from Blackhorn and Buffalo. Tucked away from the main hubbub, if you chose to venture that far, a Welly Ball tent offered a slightly less populated bar and a sofa seating area.
With alcohol, music and good times freely throughout the night, the efforts and successes of the committee were obvious in the immaculate planning and execution. The location of Kinkell Byre was a contrast from the oft-used Lower College Lawn and provided a chance to ‘escape the Bubble’ albeit only for a few short hours. Whether your tastes were shotguns, balls, wellies, alcohol or even Blackhorn burgers, the night had activities and opportunities and entertainment for all, which continued into the small hours of the morning in true St. Andrews fashion.
