Witzend in Wonderland

Craft House in review

St Andrews had the chance to tumble down the rabbit hole on Friday 26 September, when Craft House hosted Witzend, “a summer evening of art, music, and celebration.” Though it was my first time attending, I felt warmly welcomed and left regretting that I hadn’t discovered the collective sooner.

Hosted in the enchanting 3D Queens Gardens, the venue could not have been more fitting for the event’s Alice in Wonderland theme. The winding paths, lush greenery, and tucked-away corners gave the impression of stepping into another world, far removed from an ordinary Friday in St Andrews. The setting itself became part of the art, with exhibitions nestled among trees and foliage, waiting to be discovered.

Witzend showcased a wide range of talent: paintings, drawings, live art, and poetry all intermingled throughout the garden. Guests could watch artists paint in real time, commission custom portraits, or even add their own mark to a communal mural. This immersive atmosphere encouraged everyone to feel part of the creative process. 

The live poetry readings were a thoughtful touch, highlighting the event’s artistic diversity. I found it uniquely moving to hear artists read their work aloud, in their own voices, on relationships, heartbreaks, and worldviews. One piece in particular, about the poet’s brother and their interdependent bond, stayed with me. I didn’t know the writer, yet I felt a sense of affinity and shared experience. These are parts of life we rarely hear from strangers, which made it refreshing. The performed readings turned the poetry into a conversation with the crowd. Overall, it felt like the artist and audience were creating in tandem at Witzend, helped by good food and a great atmosphere.

Music was the undeniable star of the afternoon. Most notable to me were the Macaronis, who delivered an unforgettable performance — their energy and sound became the hub of the garden. They stood out for their tight, well-blended sound and easy rapport with the crowd, qualities I find rare. In a town with so many music events, plenty of bands bring distinctive styles and talent, but not every act shapes the whole space. This one did. Guests were always gathered around the music, and the sound provided the perfect backdrop for wandering the exhibitions and lingering with friends. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Witzend was the sense of community. Both attendees and organisers were friendly and approachable. The space felt collaborative, and the garden’s smaller nooks made the event feel intimate and personal. Attendees’ outfits echoed the whimsical theme, with layers and textures adding to the atmosphere. One look that stood out to me featured a shimmering blue button-up shirt with a burgundy necktie, an oversized, almost flowing coat, and plenty of jewellery. This blend of attention to detail with an easy, carefree feel captured the event’s style.

As far as logistics went, no detail was overlooked. Craft House managed the garden impeccably, and the setup encouraged discovery. Everywhere I looked, there was something new. I spent four hours there, and while I left feeling like I still hadn’t seen it all, the space never felt overwhelming. It was relaxed and easy to move around, with little congestion even in the narrower paths. Food and drink were easy to get and enjoy on the grass, and transitions between music sets were seamless.

Another highlight of the event was the catering from the Scottish Pizza Co. It was a clear hit, with a menu that matched the event’s personality perfectly. With plenty of fresh-baked, high-quality pizza options, it felt like the kind of thoughtful, special catering you don’t see at every event. Everywhere I looked, there were pizza boxes and drinks in hand. For VIP guests, pitchers of Pimm’s and a limitless open bar kept the atmosphere light and festive throughout the afternoon.

As the sun set and the Macaronis played their final song, I wasn’t quite ready for Witzend to end, and it seemed most guests felt the same. Craft House’s Witzend was not only a showcase of talent but an experience of warmth, creativity, and community. I left feeling grateful and reminded of why I love this town, its students, and its art and music.

Photo by Maya Dasilva