602: More birthday bust than birthday bash

After 602 years of partying can St Andrews keep up?


Having attended the St Andrews Ball (602’s predecessor) and having enjoyed the night, admittedly through the haze of a good few drinks, it was with high expectations that I decided to attend 602 this year, hoping for more of the same. It was not, however, to be.

It is never a good sign when a committee is still trying to sell the remaining few tickets on the day of the event, and a marquee that felt relatively lifeless two hours into the event confirmed fears that 602 was not to be the spirited birthday party it had promised to be.

That is not to say, however, that all was lost, £35 down the drain. For one, less crowds meant easier access to the conveniently located central bar – wait times for alcohol were not particularly long. The cocktail specials on offer also proved quite tasty – the multicoloured (and only £4) ‘St Andrews’ proving quite the sweet treat amongst my friends.

A minimalist photo booth complete with cardboard cutouts of ‘602’ and a small stand of food neatly tucked into a corner completed one side of the marquee. Once again this reviewer notes a lack of both seating and bins, an oversight apparently made by many event organisers this year.

The other side of the marquee was dominated solely by the stage and a large open dance floor, which allowed drunken revellers plenty of space to express their creative dance moves, although the party didn’t really start moving until the arrival of local favourite Staley Sharples (DJ Kalliope) at 11.

If the crowds had turned up to 602, perhaps the marquee and the dance floor in particular may have seemed more alive and contributed to a more celebratory feel. As it stood, the event did not need the rain to feel slightly dampened.

As is common for events at lower college lawn the toilets, at least for the girls, were port-a-loos, which I am informed were actually quite luxurious. Also outside was a food truck serving buffalo wings and chunky fries, meaning attendees need not have wandered far to satisfy drunken cravings.

Overall I can say that I did enjoy the night, despite shortcomings, but perhaps down to the company of friends and that one true companion, alcohol. It remains to be seen whether the Fellowship raised much money, given the low attendance and poor ticket sales, for the Class Gift. Even if the ball itself was not the best, the charitable endeavours of the Fellowship at least somewhat redeems the event.

Photos courtesy of Lightbox Creative or Oz Adari