Georgia Davies

Lights, cameras, champagne. This year’s Opening Ball did not disappoint the hundreds of freshers who flocked to see the finest display of St Andrean glamour. In true style, there was a mix of DJ music and a live band; but dancing did not begin until later in the night. The atmosphere of the evening was almost intoxicating – with ball gowns and dinner jackets and some interesting tartan trousers. The evening couldn’t have been summed up better than by Rashmi, the visiting partner of a new postgrad. She was only here for one night and she chose to spend it at the ball, excited to see the “best of what St Andrews offers.” 

Obviously another attraction of the event was the food, such as Jannettas ice cream. It is not coincidence that two groups as iconic to St Andrews as Jannettas and the KK would come together for a truly unforgettable evening. The event was perhaps as ‘red-carpet’ as we get in St Andrews – with hordes of charming students trying to take selfies in their ‘ball best’.

The only think that could have been improved upon may be the thing that makes the ball the most unique: its charitable status. Most in attendance did not seem to know which charities were being represented, and more importantly fundraised for. It is possible that the KK could use their high profile nature to draw even more attention to the great cause of the evening. After all, drunk donators are always the most generous (see: FS). 

Tom Higginson, famed for his constant Facebook appearances as the 2016 / 2017 Ball Convenor, said: “The ball has succeeded for so many years because it’s just so classic. The KK has been around for so long that we’ve had time to refine and perfect our events.”

With hundreds in attendance and the thousands raised, it’s safe to say that the Opening Ball lived up to its reputation. 

Featured photo: Ampersand Media