Review: May Ball

It’s safe to say that the Kate Kennedy boys have done it again.  It’s hard to put your finger on just what makes May Ball so fabulous.  Perhaps it was the mellow vibe created by the hanging fairy lights and Chinese lanterns, perhaps it was the too-cool-for-school DJs, or the fairground rides – made even more amusing by the driving rain.  Maybe it was the “Ted and Christie’s Chill Out Space”, the super speedy bars, the conveniently placed food trucks, or perhaps it was just the sheer enthusiasm from every guest willing to dance the night away with the KK boys.

Whatever it was, it totally worked.  From the initial stumble off the bus, you knew this was going to be good.  Greeted by the flashing lights of the fairground rides I couldn’t decide where to head first, the well stocked bar or to try my hand at the dodgems.  As usual alcohol won that particular debate.

At 9 o’clock Kinkell was already bursting at the seams, Alex Bryson the always successful St Andrews’ DJ was on the decks, encouraging everyone to hit the dance floor. Both bars were to full capacity, yet the waiting times were next to nothing.  Always a bonus for the tequila fiends amongst us.

Conveniently positioned sofas were a God-send for every girl in attendance. The chill out space was a haven for the drunk and the exhausted, with shisha pipes, an oyster bar (stayed far away from that, shellfish and alcohol might not be the best combination) and mood lighting created the perfect environment for that quick break from the dance floor.

The rain didn’t stop the fairground rides from being utilised either. The spinny thing (technical term), dodgems and the La Bamba swing were packed constantly, with the screeches of delight/drunkenness echoing around Kinkell.   The novelty of these gave the evening that extra element of fun that many events can’t compete with.

I managed to make my way back inside to catch the headline of the evening, Duke Dumont. As soon as his “I got U” blasted through the speakers, every guy and girl flocked to the dance floor.  Is he as good as Spotify makes him out to be? Hell yes.  Ignoring the plethora of snogging couples around us, everyone was there for the music.  Totally cliche, but it was just that good.  His impressive set was worthy of any great club (not referring to the lizard this time I’m afraid).  Hats off to the KK for making an excellent choice with this one.  After the Cinderella hour the “Seedy Sound System” took to the stage, the topless drummer who held a sparkler betwixt his teeth was a personal highlight for me. They kept the beats flowing and had everyone gyrating and getting their grove on.  Mightily impressive.

Perhaps the only thing more impressive that the acts was the VIP section.  Walking through the heavily draped corridor gave access to the exclusive party. It became apparent that this was totally worth the extra dosh.  It was so different to the proceedings on the main stage that it probably should have had its own name.  A red lit marquee with chandeliers and Fisher and Donaldson doughnuts everywhere (I mean everywhere!) made it the place to be. With acoustic bands – The Fabulous Hurricanes , Jebsen and Joe Jones the VIPers were partying on down as much as the rest of us.  I know what ticket I’m getting next year.

To say May Ball was a success will be somewhat of an understatement.  Excellent organising, wonderful music, gorgeous outfits, and fabulous people.  Once again the KK has proved that their Ball Game is strong.  Not a single guest looked as if they weren’t having fun, when 2am rolled around I certainly didn’t want to go home.

As the last ball of the year, this not only has set the standard for next year, but has also left us on a high wanting more.  As party king, third year, Alan Blackwood said, “What a fabulously messy night!”, I think that pretty much sums it up. Well done Kate Kennedy Club, you’ve reminded us all why we love you.

Images courtesy of Lallie Doyle