Whilst glitterball is at its curtain call, its community, creativity and "cuntiness" is far from gone. Amongst the multiple so- called ‘bubbles’ of St Andrews, many can agree that our queer community is the most consistent and creative in its inclusivity; the festivities of glitterball being its highlight. The costumes, artists, lights and refreshingly exciting music offer a space void of the typical performativity of this town, replacing it with a warm sensation of self-expression. What's more comforting than that? 

Every year, students in their loudest outfits gather not just to celebrate with their fellow (although not all) queer peers, but to be. Clown makeup caked on, drinks flowing and music (void of the 601 stainless) is blasting. You look around and see familiar faces; classmates you awkwardly wave at on the street taking the stage, your stylish hallway crush spotted in passing, a drag star only seen before on your small laptop screen, and someone else you quite can't place. But once you've stumbled out of the ball tent, arrived back home and are in the quiet of your room, you begin to understand it. 

Belonging. Perhaps this is not a new feeling to you, but to the many attendees, committee members and performers who I spoke to, it sure was. 

For the habitual consumers of queer art forms and performances, this will come to no surprise. Yet for many, this was not only their first ever Glitterball but first attendance at an intentionally queer space. Away from the lively crowds in the tent, a postgrad talked about this being a first and last ever Glitterball. Although, like many of us, sad at the news of its end, hope and excitement remained about what this meant for her journey. It was her first time attending an event which was openly queer: “I’m 35, so this is quite exciting and slightly emotional for me.” Glitterball is more than its titular glittery aesthetic; it fosters an environment for all, queer or not, to celebrate themselves and their journeys. 

Drag and pole are two of many art forms which are globally built on its respective LGBTQ+ movements and rights and are stigmatized against in and outside the queer community. It's a concern that has been and will continue to be discussed by queer creatives. While I was interviewing two of this year's pole performers, they highlighted Glitterball as a consistently “comforting environment [...] to show this skill and performance that you don't normally get to show in every circumstance”. A space “not only wholesome but so fun”. Whilst sandwiched against students by the stage banisters screaming in excitement and support, it's clear these aren't just feelings but principles at the core of Glitterball. 

In personal discussions preceding Glitterball and its end, some have wondered if the cost and draw of the ball relies on its famous headliners more so than local artists. Admittedly, these thoughts circled but were squashed whilst watching Tomara Thomas, contestant on the fifth season of Rupal's Drag Race UK, as the headliner. She took great care to amplify and encourage the many student drag performers and dancers who also took stage. It was not about the novelty of seeing a performer of repute but an opportunity to be inspired and engage the wider queer community outside of our St Andrews bubble. Nearing the end of the ball, as Thomas invited members of the crowd to show off their impromptu take on drag, this sense of engagement soared as did the excited voices of friends urging each other onto the stage. 

Creating this space of belonging was a purposeful process built by the commendable passion and dedication of its student committee. While following around the excited members preparing the day prior, they spoke not only of lights and music but of safety and duty, each of them dedicated to making the ball “an inclusive safe space for everyone to enjoy, hang out, meet people and see cool things”. Upon the day, with the array of student drag, professional drag, bands, dancers, and pole performers, it was clear to see that the committee's intention had been delivered. This was expected and delivered to its attendees and performers. 

While we mourn the loss of Glitterball its mission, community and creativity stay alive. Its talented committee promises other events still showcasing and celebrating our thriving queer community. 

So as you wipe off your clown makeup and retire your extravagant outfits do not let the energy of the night fade with the glitter. This ball may be at its end, but the purposeful process of creating safe spaces continues with every person who feels seen for the first time. The lights have dimmed, but the journey of belonging has only just begun.