Top Ten Second Semester Events

By Ali Habashi

With spring approaching and the headache that was last semester still pounding in our brains, this list of things to do was compiled in order to distract you from your real to-do list. You’re welcome.

1.) May Dip

Why you no-good, dirty, academically incestuous, PH-disrespecting sinners. In order to counteract these past indiscretions, you might want to join the rest of the student body as they gather at the dawn of May 1st on East Sands. A smattering of bonfires and a whole heck of a lot of failed May-Dip diets will be there to greet you, before you sprint into the water with the rest of the academic sinners. After all, what better way to cleanse yourself than by diving into the North Sea?

2.) May Ball

Ah yes, the Kate Kennedy Club. If there’s one thing the group knows, it’s balls. This semester, it’s May Ball. This one has got the basic VIP setup—pay the least and get the music, rides and bar access. Pay the most and earn yourself a place at the dinner table and even more bar access. At last year’s ball, you even had the option of paying more than the most, and in return for your parents’ subsequent heart attacks following the bill, you could take a pre-ball helicopter ride around St. Andrews.

3.) Kate Kennedy Procession

Ah yes, the Kate Kennedy Club. If there’s a second thing the group knows, it’s fancy dress. However, it’s not every day that they have a procession of pipers to back them up as they stroll down Market Street (I think). So, that’s exactly what the town will get at the start of spring this year as the most illustrious of the St. Andrews historical figures line up for their famous march.

4.) Masquerade Under Canvas

Once a ball, now turned hipster. I mean concert. Presented by Under Canvas, the previous years’ masquerade hosts.

5, 6, & 7.) FS, Don’t Walk, and Sitara

These fashion shows are student-run, for charity, and all this semester. Each with a different flavour, it’s only a matter of time before another random royal shows up in the audience and whisks away another model. Until then, enjoy the shows.

8.) StAnza Poetry Festival

For about a week every year, the style around St. Andrews takes an abrupt turn, and suddenly strange patterns and flowing blouses appear amongst the tweed and Barbour. These are poets, and they’ve made their brief appearance for StAnza, Scotland’s largest poetry festival. With the Byre going out of business, the events this year are sure to be scattered, so watch where you tread lest you be punched in the face by prose.

9.) On The Rocks

This festival is student-run, which means that although it is dedicated to the arts, we shouldn’t be seeing the obvious poetic quirks that define StAnza. Instead, the fashion shows, plays and art exhibitions will take over for a while as the artists run amok, pastels and powdered wigs flying like glorious creative flags.

10.) Big Top Ball

Just in case the May Ball and Masquerade leave you sober and sad, the Big Top Ball is here for all of that pent-up dancing aggression. The Big Top Ball is also circus themed, giving you the chance to finally wear a top hat to a ball. Living the dream.

You can find most of these events on Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, so keep an eye out for announcements, and I’ll see you there.

• St Andrews Charity
• St Andrews Events
• St Andrews Fashion