Starfields 2024 In Review

As a fresher, nothing made me more excited than the leadup to the mysterious ‘Starfields’. An outdoor festival…in Sallies Quad? Which everyone who was anyone was going to? Alongside the masses on the ‘St Andrews Confirmed 22’ WhatsApp, I couldn’t wait. And I’m pleased to say that it’s just the same experience as it was as a first year.

FS, the group that hosts the event, certainly have pretty great bragging rights with Starfields, which according to their website, is “the largest student-run music festival in the UK”. Additionally, it hosts a third of St Andrews’ students, which would explain why its main tent was absolutely teeming. FS also has a philanthropic draw, in its annual support of a charity. This year, it’s Scottish Women’s Aid, which works to prevent domestic abuse. 

The organisation claims that Starfields acts as ‘a chance to reminisce on forgotten feelings’. That it was. In fact, the fresher count at this event was so high that I myself felt propelled into the past of VKs and asking ‘what hall are you in?’ 

With a final entry time of 6pm, everyone appeared to be hedging their bets on how late they could stretch this deadline. Unsurprisingly, the greatest influx of people was in fact at 5:59pm. Before entry, attendees were for some reason forced into a sobering lap of Sallies Quad instead of a direct walk to the entrance. FS behind-the-scenes pictures and flags hanging around the gate added a sweet, personal touch. 

The odds were not in FS’s favour weatherwise as the wind swept across Lower College Lawn, striking a chill into the hearts of poor 18 year old freshers clad in skimpy tank tops. Those sitting on the grass verge, enjoying such unusual offerings as chips with pomegranate and spring onion or just a simple pizza, were clinging to their takeaway boxes in an effort for them not to fly away. When it began to rain, this was actually advantageous to the DJs, as a crowd began to form under the covered marquee.  

The music, spearheaded by the main act Lavern (a key player in the ‘stutter house’ genre), was energetic and generally recognisable. The bass was so unbelievably loud that it felt as though my heart rhythm was being reprogrammed. The giant balls being thrown around the crowd and fireworks blasting from the sides of the stage visually reflected this energy.

One of the greatest criticisms of Starfields last year was the challenge of getting a drink. The overrun central bar and cash-only policy called for heavy pres. Luckily, this was improved upon this time around, with a limited number of credit card machines as well as 2 bars in the main tent. Additionally, a third ‘secret’ bar at the corner of the lawn provided another option for thirsty festival-goers. 

After the main event, guests were invited to a complimentary afterparty from 11pm-2am at Lupo’s. If your body clock wasn’t already confused by effectively clubbing at 6pm, those with endurance were well catered for. 

Starfields remains a strong player in the St Andrews Freshers Week calendar. While it may feel quite fresher-oriented, it’s a nice excuse to get a funky outfit on at a festival 5 minutes from home (no camping required).

Photo: Alex Barnard