Kiana Bowden

In case Facebook cover photos and Instagram feeds didn’t give the game away, Kinkell Byre was the place to be on Saturday, the 11th of November. The students of St Andrews were donning their cufflinks, best dresses, and bow ties for another night of dancing and revelry. This evening did not bring with it the pains of hobbling home in heels however, but provided the annual opportunity for us to run for the record number of Hunter boots at a single social event. Welly Ball was back, celebrating it’s 10th anniversary.

Committee members had promised that the ball would be ‘bigger and better than ever before’. But did it live up to this claim? Bigger, I can definitely confirm. The use of space in Kinkell was optimal, the main room was extended using tents as you would expect for similar events. Since hundreds of St Andrews students were being joined by visitors and members of clay pigeon clubs from other universities (the ball followed the annual St Andrews Challenge), there was a need for space. Having the choice of various bars and rooms ensured that guests could dance and socialise as they wished. Great hits had guests dancing along in the main room, whilst live bands added to the relaxed atmosphere in the marquee. My peers had mixed views on the décor yet I liked the natural theme used throughout the building. Contrasting with the classic fairy lights used in the barn were leaves, pine branches, gypsophila flowers and other plants. Simple and tasteful. It only added to the relaxed enjoyment of the event when people started putting the flowers in their hair. The visual effect of the whole design of the ball was, in my opinion, very pleasing.

Enough about the table setting though, what about the food provisions themselves? For the after party at least, one could easily say that there was enough to fill your wellington boots. Many of the sweet treats on hand were available for free, courtesy of the event’s sponsors which included Tunnock’s and Sanpellegrino. If caramel wafers weren’t to your liking, the option of having a toastie or crepe from the fresh food stalls was a bonus. These were surrounded by couches and tartan blankets where you could enjoy the food… or perhaps recover from all the drinking and dancing.

As ever, the coaches provided to return to St Andrews were much appreciated. In some cases, the wellies survived the night a little better than those wearing them, yet all in all, everyone seemed to have had a fun time. Welly Ball 2017 lived up to the stellar standard set by previous years, which has earned the committee the Mary Moloney plate by Charlie Waller. The importance of the funds raised by the ball cannot be stressed enough. It supports the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, which aims to raise awareness of depression in young people and reduce associated stigma. More information on the charity’s incredible work, and how to donate towards it can be found here https://www.cwmt.org.uk/