It is October, and we all know what that means in this neck of the woods: it is essentially winter. As we all develop rosy cheeks, don our scarves and notice with pleasure that Tesco has started stocking mince pies, we must remember that Christmas is not the only thing to look forward to in these chilly months. Come November the 9th, over 2000 students will flock to St Andrews for the ever-popular Welly Ball. Owl Eyes has been given the insider info and we are sipping our tea with glee as we look forward to a night of revelry at Kinkell Byre.
This year will be the 12th anniversary of Welly Ball and the dress code, as ever, will produce a sartorial smorgasbord that will baffle those who are not in the know: head-to-just-under-the-knee black tie, and just-under-the-knee-to-toe wellington boot. Perhaps with a Barbour jacket flung about the shoulders if you are feeling reckless. Due to the annual shooting competition that takes place before the ball, The Challenge, there will be students from all over the UK attending: one must look one’s best.
The ballot for the dinner ticket closed yesterday: fingers crossed for those of us who went for it! With a welcome drink, two course meal, wine, transport, after party access and (everybody’s favourite part of any event) a goody bag, for £70, it promises to be a good night. The after party tickets go on sale on the 30thOctober, at a more manageable £30, and these include after party access with drinks and the all-crucial snax.
All the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, a charity founded by Charlie’s family after he took his own life in September 1997. Charlie had been suffering from depression, and this charity aims to raise awareness and support for young people with mental health issues. As we draw to the end of Mental Health Awareness Week, mental wellbeing is a topic that many of us will have had on our minds, and one that it is important to bear in mind throughout the year.
All in all, we are very excited to romp about Kinkell in our finery, looking like something right off the pages of Country Life. Welly Ball is an event that delivers every year, and if you haven’t yet got a ticket, I would absolutely recommend that you get one, fish your wellies out from the back of your cupboard, and get ready for a blister-free evening of throwing shapes.
Check the Facebook page for info on ticket sales and general exciting updates!