Lumsden’s Biggest Garden Party Yet

There’s nothing a St Andrews student loves more than a party. Naturally, an occasion to give our best florals and linens one last glance at the sun is necessary as we begin to adorn our more conventional autumnal wear. On Saturday afternoon, St Andrews’ Botanic Garden swapped its usual Sunday strollers for over 500 students in their Sunday best. Complementary Pimm’s in hand, guests wound through the gardens onto the lawns which came alive with the sound of unusually competitive lawn games, laughter, and live music. The Lumsden Club’s End of Summer Garden Party had arrived, and in the club’s 25th year , it was bigger than ever. 

Founded in 2001 after Dame Louisa Lumsden, the pioneering champion of women’s education, the all-female society is a registered Scottish charity that admits no more than ten new members a year and counts over 190 alumni worldwide. Its annual garden party has long been a St Andrews favourite, but this year it outdid itself. After selling out its target of 450, the club released extra tickets, nearly doubling last year’s sales. 

“I’m really happy with how Pimm’s went this year,” said Luli Gomez-Sabaini, Head of Pimm’s, “We welcomed over 500 guests to the Botanic Garden and raised around £6,000 for Fife Women’s Aid.” Every penny of profit goes to the charity, which supports women and children across Fife affected by domestic abuse through its refuges, helpline, and counselling. The record did not happen by accident. Planning began at the end of May, with the nine-strong committee scattered across different countries and organising almost everything online. “It was a challenge, especially the PR, since we couldn’t film together,” said Gomez-Sabaini, “but everyone was so committed, that it all came together once we were back in St Andrews.”

The committee also learned from last year, when the party clashed with the horse races and the Edinburgh vs St Andrews rugby match, so this time the date was chosen with careful consideration. After years of complaints about the Pimm’s running dry, supply was increased and a dedicated ‘Pimm’s O’Clock’ truck was added. That was all without Pimm’s sponsorship; the club covered the free drinks itself, helped by sponsors including Rosaluna, Balgove Larder, Thatchers, Johnstons of Elgin and Belvoir Farm. 

If the numbers were impressive, the outfits were even more so. The dress code was Henley, and St Andrews took it as more of a challenge rather than a rule. The girls ditched predictable regatta florals for fun skirts, tailored trousers, and statement dresses, topped with fur coats that were as practical for a September breeze as they were glamorous. The real fun was in the details: striped socks and lacey tights in every combination imaginable, peeking out from loafers and ankle boots. It was Henley with a wink. 

The boys held their own too. Corduroy was the fabric of the day, with dapper suits and trousers in rich autumnal shades practically glistening in the afternoon sun, striking the balance between country gentlemen and garden party guests. 

Across the lawns, guests drifted between the bars, games, and food trucks, where newcomers Box Tacos and Mangiamo Pizza joined returning favourite Nibbles. As the music from our favourite student DJs picked up, the dancing began, and the party carried on well into the evening. 

The Botanic Garden will now be the party’s permanent home, which Gomez-Sabaini called exciting “because future committees can keep building on this year.”

Above all, though, she credits her year group. “Everyone put so much into it, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to do it with.”

For those already missing the Pimm’s, the club’s next event is Recruitment Drinks at Rusacks St Andrews on 5 October. 

Photos by Smilla Spasic