‘Curtain Call’: Glitterball to be Discontinued After 2026

Glitterball — the annual student-run formal ball known as the first fully LGBTQ+ inclusive event of its kind in the UK — will be discontinued after its 2026 iteration.

Hosted by SaintsLGBT+, a subcommittee of the University of St Andrews Students’ Association, this academic year’s Glitterball will take place at the Spanish Gardens on 21 March, 2026, with the theme ‘Curtain Call,’ reflecting the event’s finality.

@Glitterball.sta publicised a statement about the news of the event’s termination on 12 November: “You may have noticed our theme this year is ‘Curtain Call,’ and that’s unfortunately what this is for us — our final hoorah. Over the past several years, the cost of putting on this event, as well as the cost-of-living crisis for students, has meant that we’re not in a position where this event can feasibly continue after 2026.”

They went on to thank the St Andrews community for its support over the past fourteen years, which helped to make Glitterball “into the largest and most successful queer event in St Andrews.” 

“While Glitterball as you know it may be ending, we’re working closely with the University, the Principal’s Office, and the Students’ Association to fill the void this event will leave behind,” the statement continued. “We want to ensure the space created by Glitterball is maintained, even if the event itself is changed.”

In response to a request for comment from The Saint, the Glitterball committee expanded on the challenges it has been facing with funding the event: “Those who have been here longer may recall the ticket price increases over the past few years. Prices of event essentials have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis has made more expensive tickets inaccessible to our attendees.”

The Glitterball committee is currently raising money on JustGiving, with a target goal of £4,500 to help fund the final ball in 2026. 

“Glitterball is a self-funded event; our tickets pay for all our expenses. With everything being more expensive, this has become difficult, and so this is why we have reached out to the student population to ask for help through donations,” the committee wrote. “We have previously been able to secure sponsorships, but this has become difficult in recent years, and because Glitterball is technically a profit-making venture, we are ineligible for most grants.”

Echoing the sentiment about Glitterball’s financial pressures, the Union provided a statement on the event’s future, noting its ongoing dialogue with the committee: “Across the UK, rising costs are affecting everyone, and unfortunately, this also impacts student events. We are currently in discussions with the Glitterball organisers and are committed to exploring how we can keep this event running in some form. Glitterball is one of our favourite events and reflects our values as a Students’ Union.”

A University spokesperson also emphasised the University’s involvement in supporting the event’s planning process: “Since 2018, colleagues in Accommodation, Conferences and Events (ACE) have supported the Glitterball organising committee by providing guidance on key aspects of the event, including safety, site requirements, and contractor management. While ACE offers this support, Glitterball remains a student-led event, with the organising team retaining full autonomy over all other decisions.”

Furthermore, ACE has played a central role in navigating the recent logistical and financial hurdles surrounding Glitterball, while ensuring that decision-making remains firmly in the hands of students.

The University spokesperson added that “this year, ACE colleagues have worked closely with the Glitterball Committee to outline event planning and cost-saving initiatives to ensure its continued success. The University has also proposed considering whether a revised version of the event could be held in 601, which may provide both financial and operational benefits. However, there is an understanding that any shift in the event’s character would require careful reflection, and the committee has been entrusted with that judgment.”

Beyond donating, @glitterball.sta has encouraged students to support Glitterball 2026 by following updates on social media, attending pre-ball events such as the launch party, and getting involved when auditions and volunteer opportunities open.

While 2026 marks the end of Glitterball in its current form, the University maintains that its legacy — and the community built around it — will preserve the values that have defined the event since its inception.

“Glitterball has long been a highlight of the St Andrews events calendar, recognised as one of the most inclusive and safe spaces for self-expression,” a University spokesperson said. “Our engagement reflects the importance of maintaining these values. Additionally, student groups can apply for various support funds via the Students’ Association and the University. By working together, we are confident Glitterball can thrive and continue to be an event the LGBTQ+ community at St Andrews can be proud of.”

The Glitterball committee reiterated that even though there will not be another Glitterball next academic year, the presence of LGBTQ+ events and SaintsLGBT+ will not decline.

A committee spokesperson said: “The LGBT students and staff at this University need to understand that while the event is no longer financially viable, we are not going away. We still want to give you brilliant events that celebrate LGBT people and culture. This event has presented us with an amazing opportunity to do this in a large capacity, but we are full of ideas for how this can become something different and perhaps better.”

Photo by Charlotte Davies