Starfields: Sustainable Fun in the Absence of Fife Sun

It is said that the mark of a good night is not remembering it the next morning. Yet in this case, the mark of an exceptional one, is the long-lasting impression it makes on you, long after the event. Long awaited and well attended, St Andrews Freshers headline occasion has stayed true to its promise, and delivered a day like no other in Freshers, that did indeed ‘rewrite what is anticipated at student events’.

Starfields, of course, does not begin at four o’clock when doors open. No, it is preceded by a day of heightened anticipation, a symptom of the show’s prodigious reputation. Frenzied first years and seasoned veterans of Starfields alike begin the day early, donning festival attire, and likely applying glitter, face paint and, weather dependent, hefting a pair of wellington boots.

This year, however, the weather seemed promising, though it wouldn’t be St Andrews without the usual gale-force wind. Stepping out of their doors at perhaps 10 or 11 am, Starfields-goers typically head for one of the numerous house parties that precursor this legendary event, this year consisting of a row of four houses consecutively, each containing a separate house party, where guests can expect professional quality dj-ing from St Andrews’ most talented, and far less professional dancing, and all this before doors open.

Starfield’s reputation allows a full day of revelry, but it is the event itself that is the main attraction. At some minutes past four, continuing for house, the casual onlooker will see small units of bravely dressed festival-goers bobbing and weaving their way down North Street, a delightful contrast to the sombre streets, to be greeted, in Lower College Gardens, with a scene fairly incongruous with its surroundings.

Tents line the passage from the gates onwards, where there lie beanbags, deck chairs and sprawling dancers fatigued from their time in the action. On the right, food trucks including Wildfire Pizza and la Creperie, stocking chocolate filled crepes, the ideal festival snack. The drinks tent is then located directly in front; it is true to say that queues at St Andrews events are usually intolerable, but bar’s size alone ensured that no one queued for long, making a real change, and its relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect place for those looking to unwind with refreshment.

And then, the crowning jewel of the event, the huge and enveloping canopy housing a main stage and stretching over huge portions of the lawn. Crammed with ecstatic dancers, huge beats and rhythms thrum out of the canvass and can be felt through the air for metres. The headline act Matoma delivered tune after tune, supported by the talented Riton, Crazy Cousinz and Tigre DJ. 

As well as delivering a class event, the organisers of Starfields went to lengths to ensure that it was as sustainably sourced as possible. Partnering with Fashion Revolution allowed them to increase sustainability by 20%. As well as this Remedy Drinks supplied copious amounts of soft refreshment, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated.

2019’s Starfields takes its place among previous years’, ensuring a sustainably fun time was had by all.

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