A brief synopsis & the historical significance of the renowned Cambridge May Balls.

(Student Jazz bands performing

at Darwin May Ball - 2024)

 (Credits: sixthfilmcollective.com)

The Cambridge May Balls are lavish ‘all night’ parties that began in the 1830s, with the first official ball held by Trinity Boat Club in 1866. The Balls are famous and internationally recognised, hosted by a variety of different Cambridge colleges throughout the month of June.

 Initially, the Balls took place in the month of May, and this came about as colleges started celebrating their wins from the ‘May bumps’, a set of boat rowing races that are held annually before students would take their very crucial end of year examinations. 

However, the May Balls were moved from the month of May to June in 1882 after exam season so all students could revel in the huge celebrations but  the original name has been retained ever since.

(The morning after a May Ball,

taken in 1906 — Credits: google images)

It is also a tradition for each of the colleges' May Balls to host ‘themed’ parties. Some previous themes that the colleges have hosted include ‘Shakespeare’, ‘Venetian Carnival’, ‘Las Vegas’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Golden Age’, ‘Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’, ‘Regency & Revelry’, and ‘Bloom’,  just to name a few.. 

The universal dress code is white or black tie for men along with national dress code for ladies.

(Happy students’ pose for a photo with smiling glee at The Darwin Summer May Ball - 2024)

(An artist painting the scenery as dusk sets

at Darwin College May Ball - 2024)

(students’ & guests’ riding carousel fair swings mid-action for entertainment at a May Ball.)

As all party-goers pay high-end prices for tickets, a vast amount of resources, effort, organisation and money are put directly into these events, which usually include a large assortment of entertainments such as comedy acts, arts & crafts, extravagant lighting & decorations, firework displays, drinks/bar stands, an array of international food cuisines, funfair rides such as bumper cars, large swings, axe throwing, karaoke singing, inflatable podium fights and much much more.. with the most anticipated entertainment of them all being the main music acts for the evening. 

(A ‘formal dinner’ for guests

at the start of a May Ball event.)

These can range from college student Jazz bands to choir groups and globally famous established singers, bands and rappers, with one main headlining act being very popularised for the Balls.

With endless fun activities & entertainment all packed into each and every unique May Ball, you are guaranteed to be in for a treat and are sure not to miss out on an evening full of great memories and to dance the night away!

(A fireworks display overlooking King’s College Chapel — Credits: google images)

To summarise, the Cambridge May Balls are a time filled with luxurious parties and extravaganza at the end of the academic year to celebrate the hard efforts of students, when all attendees can soak up the fun-filled events with delight in the well-organised opulent Balls for a night of festivities to remember..