Trinity May Ball

We will be back soon to continue our 155-year tradition

Statement from the May Ball Presidents’ Committee

The May Ball Presidents' Committee is composed of the Presidents and Chairs of all major May Week Events. Over the past year, the MBPC has been meeting to monitor the ongoing situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic, and take a coordinated approach to planning May Week Events for 2021.

Under current government restrictions, any in-person events typical of May Week are prohibited. As the situation continues to be uncertain and rapidly changing, it is impossible to predict what restrictions will look like in June.

With this in mind, some May Week Committees are making tentative plans for May Week Events that may be allowed under relaxed conditions; in most cases, these events are significantly smaller in nature than past May Balls. Nevertheless, May Week committees are working hard to provide an event to mark the end of the academic year.

Over the course of the term, individual committees will be releasing more detailed information about their plans. Since each event is in a unique situation, operating on a different timeline, we ask that you are patient while you wait for these updates. In all cases, students can expect a significantly delayed ticket sales period. The safety of University members, the wider Cambridge Community, and the general public is at the forefront of all of this planning. Events will only go ahead if they are covid-secure and compliant with council and government regulations.

Deferral Refunds

As Trinity May Ball 2021 will not be going ahead as planned, we would like to refund the £50 deposit paid to us last year by finalists. Please be assured that offering tickets to those who graduated last year will be a priority for next year’s committee.

To have your deposit returned, please fill out this form by Wednesday, March 31, 2021. You will need the original bank reference you used to pay for the ticket. The refund process may take a while, so we appreciate your patience as we sort through these.

1866

Founding of the Ball

"The Trinity Boat Club May Ball held at the Lion Hotel was a grand success. The only drawback being 'the room', which was certainly too small for such a large and brilliant assemblage... Julien's Band, a handsome supper — what more could be wanted?"

1910

History

Dating back over a century and a half, the First and Third Trinity Boat Club May Ball has undergone a startlingly dazzling transformation. Interrupted only by the death of a Monarch and World War II, the legacy of a very humble beginning lives on to this day. What was once a low-key celebration with 38 guests in the honour of a successful May Bumps season has now become a world-class affair with approximately 2500 guests.

2016

The 150th Anniversary

A night to remember — our wonderful guests attending the 150th anniversary event partook in a celebration of delightful music, inspiring fireworks and enchanting cuisine. The 154th anniversary event will participate in this rich tradition.

2020

Internal applications will be accepted for two weeks from 12pm Monday 17th February while external applications will be accepted for one week from 12pm Monday 24th February.

Ticket FAQ Terms

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Dining Ticket

A Dining ticket includes a champagne reception, followed by a lavish five course feast with wine pairings in the unrivalled setting of Trinity’s Great Hall before the Ball.

A Lavish Dining Experience
Champagne Reception
Dinner Entertainment

Standard Ticket

One of the most sought after tickets to be had in May Week. You and a guest will experience Cambridge’s best Ball, an unrivalled showcase of revelry—unlimited food and drink, a stunning fireworks display, and a myriad of entertainments from chart-topping stars to world-class comedians to the finest classical and jazz musicians.

Exquisite Entertainment
Unparalleled Setting
Unmissable Food

VIP Ticket

With the VIP experience, guests enter the Ball an hour before our regular guests to attend a sumptuous champagne reception.

Classical Entertainment
Champagne Reception
Early Access to the Ball

Work at Trinity

Our workers are the backbone of this large scale operation, and we are looking for charismatic and motivated people to join our team. Workers are instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the Ball and we take pride in treating our staff well

There are a variety of roles available, from general workers to team leaders and managers. So make sure you apply now, whether it’s the first time you’re applying to work at a Ball, or you’re a May Week veteran

Follow the link below to create an account and apply for a position

Apply Now

The Poster

We have carefully designed an exquisite poster for this year’s ball so you can reminisce the night long after the Ball has come to close. Below you can see a selection of our incredible posters from the year’s gone by. Make sure you grab one of this year’s posters when purchasing your ticket!