Welly Launch

Sitting right on the precipice of Freshers Week, Welly Launch on September 8 certainly had to set an example of a good night out for eager freshers and returners alike. It’s safe to say that, resembling any classic Vic event, it was a good reintroduction to St Andrews’ events scene.

This event was freshers’ first introduction to the St Andrews big player that is Welly. For any unaware, the Welly Ball itself is one of the University’s most iconic events, for its simple dress code referenced in the name. The organisation is a ten-year partner of the Charlie Waller Trust, a mental health charity tailoring its services towards young adults, which also funds GP training. 

Upon entering the Vic, I was struck by the clear effort made to create an artistic and classy atmosphere. Huge artwork depicting animals was on display, including a particularly striking large red cartoon octopus. Additionally, streamers hanging between the social club and main room, as well as photographers snapping photos left, right, and centre, made it certainly feel more exclusive than your average Vic night, which you would hope for from the high entry price.

With little sign of the optional wellies suggested in the dress code, the Vic was largely filled with freshers, many of whose faces were scored with red paint, having returned from what I’ve been told was a fairly dismal Clan Warfare at the Union. Although the fresher count made me both feel like I knew nobody and also that I am becoming geriatric at this university, it was actually the perfect hunting ground for academic children. I took great joy in adding my phone number to freshers’ phones under ‘academic mum’, knowing that inevitably I was being considered alongside a number of other desperate academic parents. 

Arriving at a modest 11:30, the venue was looking worryingly empty, but became quickly busy as the clock struck midnight. One of the first songs I was greeted with was Lana del Rey’s Summertime Sadness, a striking reminder that Autumn is in fact creeping in. The majority of the rest of the thudding dance music was indistinguishable but served to excite the crowd. In tandem with the impressive number of people grouped in the main room, it was electric.

Competing with BPM was a definite challenge, but the DJs, spinning hardcore tracks, not just playing through pop hits, retained an energetic atmosphere. With up to four DJs standing and encouraging the current track spinner (if that’s the technical term) throwing gestures at the beat drop, it could have been Boiler Room in another life. 

While at its essence a typical night at the Vic, the Welly committee paid real attention to detail in decorations and the lively DJing. This managed to foster an exciting atmosphere for both freshers on Fife turf for the first time and world-weary honours students.

Photo: Alex Barnard