Mermaids’ Christmas Ball Reviewed

Perhaps the most anticipated event of the semester, Mermaids’ Annual Christmas Ball took Kinkell Byre by storm on Sunday evening. After the drama of ticket sales and endlessly trying to buy and sell tickets for extortionate prices, guests could finally don their black tie and sparkly wristbands, head to pre’s, and get ready for what was expected to be a phenomenal night out.

While buses were available from the Union from 8, a large majority of students booked taxis for the short ride to Kinkell, leaving St Andrews virtually taxi-less from 7 onwards. While this posed a slight issue when I had to get to the Union for the press bus in my heels after a day of snow and rain, I arrived without incident and kicked off the beginning of a great night.

From suits of armor and themed bars to beautiful lights and Hogwarts letters, guests were in awe of the magical décor. Upon arrival, guests helped themselves to free champagne, Honeydukes candies courtesy of Janetta’s, and a multitude of chocolate fountains while listening to acapella, all before entering the main venue. Whether you wanted a picture with Santa, ice cream and a few golden snitch truffles, or a green caldron cocktail, not even the finest detail was left un-Pottered.

Endless pictures were taken at the photo booth all night between toasties, Butler’s wraps, and themed shots in the Great Hall whenever a break was needed from dancing. While aesthetically pleasing, the night kicked off to a bumpy start as the Great Hall heard a singular Christmas song on a loop for more than half an hour, driving the bar staff mad. Talk about unforgivable curses! Other than that, things ran smoothly and guests could be seen dancing and drinking as the night wore on.

While the music didn’t quite live up the hype of last year’s ball, guests filled the dance floor and busted moves to Christmas classics and modern hits from start to finish. Acts included the Alleycats, Blueswater, Joe Jones and BBC Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson, giving a flavourful array of tunes to dance along with all night. Issues arose when Edmondson arrived, (with a bouncer running behind him carrying his suitcase), for only the last 30 minutes of his set, owing to traffic and showing a need for better planning. And while the five-minute selfie interlude by one DJ petrified some guests, its seems that was really out of control of the committee.

There were less hiccups between coat check and buses home than most balls, which owes to great organization and perhaps the continuous line of taxis outside Kinkell. As a personal favourite, Christmas Ball did not disappoint. Aside from the minor panic when I closed the door to the loo and was greeted by Moaning Myrtle, I had a cracking night. Maybe it was the snow in the morning, or perhaps the Harry Potter theme, but the ball was pretty magical for most guests. I think it’s fair to say mischief managed!