Around the World in 80 Raves

As we often all forget, there is more to life than The Bubble that we call home for most of the year.  Three blissful months of sun, sea, sex (if you’re that way inclined) internships, netlix binges and lashings of alcohol. These were the titillating talking points of the summer months need reviewing before anticipation for Freshers Week kicks in.  Here is The Stand’s low-down on what went on, who was there and dissect what actually happened.

Wimbeldon – It is a well known fact that Brits’ love to watch balls flying around the place. Centre court is the best place on earth to indulge this particular fetish. After the high of Andy Murray’s win last year, the tennis tournament to beat all others, was greater than ever with high expectations, strawberries by the kilogram and high spirits all around. Mr Murray didn’t quite make it back to the top spot, but we still love ‘im, and the finals were top notch matches as usual!

Henley – Buff boys, boats and booze. What more could one want? THE place to see the St Andrews teams on and off the water. There’s nothing more enjoyable than messing around in boats.

CLA – The countryside lover’s mecca. Shopping, shooting, and more shopping. A weekend of country sports bliss.

Highland Games – Tossing the caber, bagpipes, tartan galore… quintessential Scotland.

Graduate Fashion Week – Imagine FS, DW, Catwalk and Sitara all had a lovechild. Whose godmother was Anna Wintour and whose nanny was Carl Lagerfeld. GFW is something like that.

Glastonbury – THE music festival. Dolly Parton, Metallica, Arcade fire, Kasabian… an impressive line up that perfectly compliments the Hunter Welly Brigade rather perfectly.

Glynbourne – Black tie picnics, opera, is there more to say? A quintessential part of the British summer, if opera is your thing of course.

Edinburgh Festival – Drama, music, comedy, art. Auld Reekie hosts some of the best acts from around the globe and some of our own home grown talent.

Cowes – The White Group (small, open boats) and The Black Group (larger, cabined boats) have competed at Cowes every year since 1826. Top notch sailers, a chilled version of Henley, although dressing up after dark.

Cricket at Lords – Test Matches are the de rigour of summer cricket. Hallowed turf, tight white trousers and the joy of calling a LBW. It’s the ultimate combination of being a thrilling sport with time for cake breaks.

RA Summer Exhibition – Filled with brand spanking new art. Grab a glass of Pimms and window shop to your heart’s content.

Ascot – HATS! A parade of Berkshire’s next top models but underneath the fashion is a week of racing which gets hearts pounding and pockets emptied.

George’s 1st Birthday – Of course The Stand’s invitation must have got lost in the post for this one. However, we can imagine what went on – pin the tail on the corgi, crown shaped lollipops, and lashings of sugar. A toddler’s paradise.

WW1 Memorial – The centenary of The First World War took a primary position in the British calendar. London led the commemorations by turning off the city lights. Shimmering candles marked the nation’s respect for our armed forces, encouraging everyone to participate . The Tower of London and the sea of poppies (each marked a lost life) made an emotional impact on all who saw it.

Whatever you got up to over the summer, be it in the UK or wherever you call home, undoubtedly you’ll be ready to get back into the swing of life on the Fife coast.  Freshers 2014, we’re ready for you.