‘Let’s organise a ball!’ Whilst a lot of outrageous, hilarious and impossible ideas were thrown around between a bunch of friends one drunken Friday night almost a year ago, out of it came what is bound to become one of the hottest events on the St Andrews social calendar, the Bigtop ball.

If the ridiculously affordable ticket price (£25) doesn’t do it for you, here are four good reasons why attendance, though optional, is highly recommended!

1. It has a circus theme

This playful theme challenges the more restrictive black tie events encountered in St Andrews; or, as co-directors Robert Sturrock and Eleanor Newman put it: “If you want to come dressed as a circus act, go for it. If you want to spend the whole night pretending to be a mime, we commend you. And if what you want to do is come along, have a good time and dance the night away in a big top, then we are totally behind you.’’ So, welcome back to your childhood guys!  There will be cotton candy, circus acts and an actual big top (yes, you read that correctly)… but probably no clowns (because who amongst us does not have coulrophobia?).

2. Let us entertain you

There will be dancing: expect a capella performances, a live band (Black Sheep) and DJs of course (including Tom Burns).

There will be drinking: Eden Brewery will be supplying their craft brew for all the guests.

There will be some serious childhood flashbacks: face painters, circus performances, carnival games, food (so much food!). Rumours of various circus animals have also been going around.

And that’s not all folks, Rob assures all that “with two months to go there is definitely more to come!”

3. Bigtop Ball is the people’s ball

“We are looking for student input and cooperation” explains marketing head Lucy Godshall. So what would YOU like to see under the big top? Popcorn? Lions? A kissing booth? (A daring trio for a perfect night out?) Ideas and enthusiasm are most welcome to our ever growing web of collaborations, even if it’s simply answering one of the many polls on our Big Top page: http://www.facebook.com/BigtopBall

4. And it’s all for charity folks

Since a lot of the Bigtop committee have met through Rag Week or Race2 (this includes the winners of last year’s Race2, so you’re in good hands), it made sense for the biggest collaboration to be with the University of St Andrews Charities Campaign. Indeed, proceeds from ticket sales will go to their six nominated charities: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Macmillan Cancer Support, Families First, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Children Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.

Bigtop Ball takes place April 13^th.

Tickets go on sale opposite the Union on March 7^th from 11-2pm.

Olivia Miossec
Bigtop Ball Head of PR

Features, Town and Gown