Devoid of the shambles of 2015, Cambridge Union pulled out the stops for their annual summer Garden Party. The first of this year’s May Week garden parties, the Union partied in style. Rather than merely serving strawberries and cream, with limited supplies of alcohol to whet the palette, we were greeted with marquees and several food tents providing plenty of delicious choices, ranging from falafel wraps and smoking hot dogs, to an eclectic and surprisingly popular selection of crudités and dips.

With so many beverages on option, from Pimms, to Gin and Tonics to Prosecco, there was no risk of diminishing supplies of alcohol this year. More like a June event than a Garden Party, the Committee provided us with caricature artists and even masseurs which, for those who attended Robinson and Homerton May Balls the previous night, was extremely welcome. If you were marshalled to the back of Sidney Sussex college, where the Garden Party was held, to improve queue flow, upon entering the college you were greeted with a twee looking ice cream stand and a drinks and food marquee. Seemingly barren, once you continued to explore the grounds, the main attractions became apparent, as did the main stage.

This year the Union chose exceptionally talented acts to supply the music for the entire afternoon, including Saachi, who also performed at Trinity, Truly Medley Deeply who frequently headline may balls, and Selwyn Jazz who got everyone on their feet. All in all, the Cambridge Union hosted a splendid garden party this year, aided also by the lack of rain which boosted everyone’s mood. They used the space of the college very appropriately and effectively, ensuring that queues were minimal and no one felt claustrophobic – even the queues for the portaloos was civilised. That is, I think, the perfect word to describe the afternoon. It was civilised in all respects, from the dress code to the quality of food and drinks and the thoroughly enjoyable music.

Substantially improved from last year’s rather unsuccessful event, the Union created a wonderful party, conceptually and carried through into its execution. It was a delightful afternoon and, for a very affordable price around the 30 pound mark, one where you will indeed get your value for money!