As the sun streamed over St Andrew's on Saturday night, our Sports Centre - magically transformed into the party venue of the year - was packed out with a buzzy, colourful crowd of parents and staff. This was the date in the St Andrew's diary that everyone had been looking forward to, and boy, it did not disappoint.
Stilt-wearing performers greeted guests upon arrival at the forest-clad door, who were then treated to a welcome glass of bubbly by Head Master, Ed Graham, and wife, Olivia. Walking in felt like you were delving deeper into an enchanted woodland, and then once inside, bam, cocooned in a sumptuous sprig of Spring.
No one could quite believe they were inside the St Andrew's Sports Centre, as the marquee hid every hint of its usual appearance. The band sang Tracey Chapman's Fast Car confidently in the background, and then guests were asked to take their seats for the first course.
A flurry of efficient waiting staff scuttled across tables serving delicious culinary delights enjoyed by all. Elf-like aerial acrobats delicately performed on the ring in the background. It was spell-binding, almost hypnotic, and as one parent said, it beautifully complemented the plates of asparagus and poached eggs.
After food was devoured and drinks consumed, it was time for the auction, with the aim to raise as much money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and our new Performing Arts Centre as possible. Mr White was the compère voice of calm, brilliantly balancing Jamie Weir's comedy edge, while Ed Graham's Best Man, did an outstanding job encouraging bidders to go even higher, and whooping up the crowd.
Party game favourite, Heads and Tails, saw guests knocked out at each round until it was down to the final four. Congratulations to Mrs Parsons for being our overall winner.
Meanwhile, other fairylike performers twirled their drapes, flapped their wings and blew bubbles of happiness across the dance floor.
Itchy feet were soon satisfied when staff (James Mortimore and Steve Gair) band, Auto Reply, hit the stage and got the crowd going, followed by an upbeat set of popular tunes courtesy of Joe Hanbury.
None of this would've been possible without the hard work, creativity and imagination of the 2024 Spring Ball Committee comprising parents and staff, who had left no stone unturned, and catered for everyone. A huge thanks to them all. Also, an ENORMOUS thank you to our sponsors - listed below.
We can't wait to let you know what the final amount raised is. In the meantime, enjoy our photos and short film of one of the best evenings of the year.
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