Glitterball: The Final Curtain Call

St Andrews can be quite a snobbish town. I — for the most part — dress and act in a pretty conformist way, and even still, I cannot shake the feeling of a spectral gaze looming over me. I can imagine this feeling must be exacerbated for visibly queer students, or those who present themselves atypically to the posh-casual aesthetic that has gripped the majority of the student population. 

Aren’t you all tired of the same shoes, same haircut, same bag, same same? Instead of breaking free, St Andrews students seem to further entrench themselves within the familiar. Glitterball presents itself as the perfect respite from this monotonous dalliance, a delightful evening in which you can show up as camp as you please. Therefore, it cuts deep that this year's Glitterball was its last. 

On 21 March, 2026, the curtain was set to fall on this iconic event in the Spanish Gardens. But the party didn’t carry a dismal or disheartened energy. Instead, St Andrews stepped out in full force to give Glitterball one last hurrah. 

Hosted by Ivy, the (drag) ‘queen of the Kingdom of Fife,’ Glitterball showcased a myriad of both local and student talent. A particular favourite of mine was Mollover Twist’s rendition of Sinatra’s ‘My Way.’ Please, sir, can I have some more? The crowd was begging for an encore! Saints Pole also exhibited jaw-dropping talent, twirling in synchronicity to tracks from ‘Mia and Sebastian’s Theme’ from La La Land to Britney Spears’ ‘Gimme More.’ 

This year's headliner was none other than Tomara Thomas, third-place contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Season Five. She brought an effervescent energy and livened the crowd, who’d been on their feet for the past several hours. Her playful banter with Ivy made the time slip by as we danced and laughed the night away. 

Typically, you must have your guard up on a ball dancefloor, lest you catch an apology-less shove or have an inebriated attendee step on your toes. However, no such reservation is necessary at Glitterball — the crowd was incredibly kind and good-spirited. 

Levi, a third-year exchange student, was grateful for the welcoming atmosphere at Glitterball: “For a university with an often stuffy atmosphere, it was such a relief to see a crowd of people who were able to be entirely themselves.” Pluto, a first-year attendee, echoed this sentiment: “I rarely get to wear funky outfits — it's so cool to get to wear fun formal stuff and be camp and queer.”

Wendy further shared that “what I love about Glitterball is being around people I know and love. It means a lot to feel safe in a town where I don’t always feel wanted.” According to Wendy, St Andrews is not the best environment for queer students: “I get comments here — not the nice ones — from locals and students that I haven't received from people anywhere else.”

Glitterball may not be your cup of tea. It is less of a typical ball and more of a talent show. But the spaces where queer students can feel safe and let loose are dissipating. Queer students bear the burden of placating those who want a more palatable version of themselves by toning down their appearance. So the cancellation of Glitterball seems like another kick in the face. 

So, how do we move forward? 

Isabella, a first-year student, shared, “I had friends who seemed surprised that a straight person would want to go [...] Glitterball is for everyone who wants to be there; it's a fun time!” 

St Andrews students needn’t be so snobby and judgmental about what events they attend. Glitterball guarantees a high-spirited event amongst a welcoming crowd — what’s not to love?  

So, if (fingers crossed) curtains reopen once more, attend! Or don’t — stick to your fashion shows and balls with a hefty £70+ ticket. In the meantime, show up for your queer friends and community members, hold those in your life accountable, and tip your local drag queens.