Battle of the hall balls: Which is the best?

After what feels like a fleeting winter break, life resumes in the bubble. The semester begins with FS, DONTWALK, and the newly revamped Catwalk.

Later on, the semester comes to an end with Sitara*, Label, and May Ball. The intermediary period is a flurry of Hall Balls, primarily aimed at those who live in the respective halls, which are much more affordable than the other balls and events that occur during the semester.

Sallies Hall Ball

As a wee fresher filled with energy, we all sought to go to as many Hall Balls as possible. One of these balls that we all probably recall very clearly is Sallies Ball. Last year’s edition was held at the Old Course (where I wager it will probably be held again, owing to the small size of the hall).

For the ball-fatigued sort, its always nice to move away from events that aren’t held in Kinkell Byre. The theme last year was Casino Royale, a fun and glamorous theme (with casino games in the mix). With a photo booth set up by Lightbox, and a ceilidh on the dance floor for a meagre sum of £5. Bargain.

Photograph by Lightbox St Andrews

Macintosh Hall Ball

On the plus side, there was lots and lots of ice-cream (most definitely Janetta’s, what other ice-cream is so widespread in St Andrews?). It was also at the Old Course Hotel, something that makes logistic sense due to the small size of the Hall community. There’s that, and also the hall’s proximity to the venue (much closer than Sallies, they’re close to everything).

What seemed to be a rather intimate ball, the Macintosh Ball was one of those best enjoyed by just the small group of residents in contrast to many of the other hall balls. For those looking for something with a smaller scale, this is the ball to be at.

DRA/FP Ball

Last year’s edition had us partygoers transported to a mid-summer’s night dream. With leis handed to guests upon arrival, and a bus pick-up that was in DRA (a rare privilege that is never afforded to us unfortunate souls who reside oh so far away from the rest of civilisation), nothing seemed out of place.

There was a shisha marquee set up and The Other Guys, the aca-famous group also graced the ball with their performance of their hit St Andrews Girls.

Best of all, tickets were free for residents (as are with most hall balls), but tickets to DRA ball are always highly sought after – as the largest hall, the DRAFP committee have the highest budget to work with.

Photograph by Lightbox St Andrews

North Haugh Ball

As the title suggests, the ball was co-hosted by a planning committee for ABH and Melville residents. That and it was also located in a marquee set up in the ubiquitous location.

With a black and white décor and dress code, an aura of classiness was definitely felt. With janettas, cake pops and cava, there was plenty to quench the thirst and satiate the stomach.

This year will be the ball’s third edition and following the high expectations after the success, it will be exciting to see what North Haugh, a locality known for scientific pursuit rather than creativity, can churn out next.

St Regulus Hall Ball

One of the smallest and most mysterious halls here, the St Reg’s hall ball welcomes partygoers to dress to the nines ala James Bond and up the ante. This ball will definitely make you want to Die Another Day so be there On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

With last year’s theme as Fantasia, supposedly a magically (un)memorable night of dinner, dancing and drinking throughout, this year’s edition will have to live up to the year’s before – a tough task as last year’s was intricately organised.

Photograph by Callum Hyland Photography

Albany Park Hall Ball

Held at the Best Western Scores Hotel (a venue frequented by the Scandinavian society amongst others), the Albany Park hall ball was another opportunity to party at a new venue, with an exciting seaside theme.

With a launch party and three course dinner, this was clearly not a ball to be missed. Tickets sold out despite a rather marked up price (£12 for residents) and resale occurred on the event page as with other sell-out balls.

A unique feature was the photographs taken on disposable cameras throughout the ball, adding an alternative vibe to the typical ball set up (this needs to happen at more balls).

Photograph taken from Albany Park Facebook Page

John Burnet Hall Ball

A rather alternative bunch, these guys are way ahead of the game. Their Hall Ball happened at the beginning of the academic year. What’s even better is that they had it at a completely new venue (of course they did), hosting the ball at Fernie Castle where it has been hosted for years.

With all 140 tickets sold out, the ball must’ve been a night to remember for those who were lucky enough to snag a ticket – or even know the ball was going on.

Uni Hall Ball

Yet another ball held in Fernie Castle, the theme was Great Gatsby. Flappers and the bootlegging sort shimmied on the dance floor donned in headbands and strings of pearls.

With a live band playing and hot dogs up for grabs, there aren’t any glaring faults in the way the ball was planned. The ball had its own firework display, for goodness sake – we have yet to see any other ball in St Andrews feature a firework display.

Photograph by Callum Hyland Photography