Review: Bute Ball

February the 14th – Valentine’s day.  Synonymous with love, yearning, and angst. However, to most emotionally repressed, over-worked medics this meant something even more exciting: The Bute Ball.

The Bute Medical Society, one of the university’s oldest and largest societies, are certainly no strangers to putting on an impressive evening.  Fitting for the day, the theme for their signature ball was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, Shakespearian romance at its finest.  Kinkell was transformed into a mystical realm styled upon an enchanted woodland, with fair lights, foliage and flowers in great abundance.

Upon arriving, we were treated to a champagne reception and an acapella from The Hummingbirds.  Guests were then seated at their forest-inspired tables, and the three-course meal was promptly served by Scott’s Catering.  The main course of mouth-watering roast beef with all the trimmings was particularly fantastic.  A member of each table was attired in a traditional chef’s uniform complete with carvery tools to add an amusing quality to the dinner.

After fining, the winners of the charity raffle were then announced.  With a wide array of excellent prizes on offer (a privately catered meal for ten, anyone?) and all donations going to the two worthy BMS supported charities – Chimwemwe and the Maddy Steel Foundation – the draw was an exciting, as well as worthwhile, feature of the night.

The live ceilidh band swiftly followed.  The bar, provided by the union, had both cheap drinks and quick service, which ensured that the dancing continued throughout the night.  Additionally, those feeling adventurous could sample two specially created Valentine’s day themed cocktails.

The traditional Scottish dancing was replaced by the not-so-traditional Scottish dancing as DJ Synergie played a set.  A great function band, The Wee Small Hours, concluded the night by playing a variety of classics… into the wee small hours.

Perhaps one of the most unique features of the Bute Ball is the variety of staff members who annually attend the event. Giving students the perfect opportunity to reel with their favourite lecturer.

With stellar reviews, such as “It was bangin’ “, this years Bute Ball was definitely not an event to be missed.  The great effort of the ball’s organisers, particularly that of the convener, Olivia Sloan, was evident in the perfectly planned and enjoyable evening.  Bute Ball 2014 certainly started the second semester with great expectations.