Cambridge’s RAG week started with a bang on Sunday, with the launch of a ‘Noah’s Ark’ themed carnival in Market Square, complete with steel drums and charity workers collecting for ‘Save the Children’ dressed as animals.

Annie Spencer, who has overall responsibility for coordinating RAG week, was optimistic about the project. ‘We’re aiming to make RAG known among students again – getting the emphasis back on the fun behind charity work.’ She emphasised the university-wide nature of the events on offer, with many organised locally by colleges.

There was some disappointment at the initial level of student involvement at the launch; Saskia Carleber, who organised the carnival, said that ‘next year’ they were ‘hoping for more Cambridge students to turn up’, but stressed the professionalism and enthusiasm of the band.

Nevertheless, credit must go to those students who did make the effort – those from Pembroke, Caius and Magdalene were amongst those singled out for particular thanks. A troop of boys from Fitzwilliam were among the only ones to fully adhere to the dress code, coming complete with painted whiskers and rats’ tails.

Presumably there was a higher level of attendance at the wine tasting and ‘Carnival’ taking place at Fez on Sunday evening, as well as the numerous formals, club nights and performances taking place throughout the week (check college and RAG bulletins).