Cambridge University students appeared bleary eyed and exhausted as they staggered back home after a wild evening at the lavish 158th annual Trinity Ball.
Hundreds of the brightest undergraduates in the country were dressed to the nines in vibrant ballgowns and crisp tuxedos as they descended upon the exclusive Trinity College ready for an evening they would not forget.
But they were left looking a little worse for wear after an evening of partying at the £215-per-ticket event, with some getting caught in a summer shower, while others were unable to walk at all, as they headed home.
The students appeared to have made the most of the drinks on offer at the event, including unlimited glasses of Irroy champagne, which retails at around £30 a bottle. The hardcore partygoers enjoyed bubbly throughout the night before concluding the festivities with a champagne breakfast in the college gardens.
And they were also treated to an evening of the finest entertainment – with noughties indie-pop star Kate Nash headlining the event.
The highlight of the evening was a spectacular firework display, which many watched from punts and inflatable flamingos on the River Cam in true Cambridge fashion.
While most undergraduates arrive via private car, taxi or punt, one student decided to arrive to the classy affair via e-scooter. Dressed in an elegant halter-neck mesh frock, the young woman rode past her pals with her blacked out shades on.
Others appeared in high spirits as they posed for pictures while proudly holding up glasses of bubbly in their extravagant suits.
One woman was pictured sporting a hot pink chiffon mini dress which featured a train and a large bow wrapped around the waist, pushing the dress code which stated that dresses should sit below the knee.
The ball, which celebrates the end of term, was founded in 1866 and is one of the most expensive in the calendar, costing £580 per pair of alumni tickets, with regular tickets for students costing £410 per pair.
But the hefty price tag does not appear to be an issue for students, who had to apply for the chance to even purchase them, with the event selling out fast.
The increase, however, did not go unnoticed. Guest tickets for Trinity Ball were sold at £280 this year, causing much anger among students who called the pricing ‘extortionate, overpriced and exclusive,’ according to The Times.
However, some say that the costly tickets are worth it because of the world famous musical acts that sing at Trinity Ball.
Its guests have previously been treated to performances by Charli XCX, Scouting for Girls, Olivia Dean and legendary disco band Boney M.
The standard ticket includes unlimited food and drink, a fireworks display and entertainment from comedians, to experiencing live classical music and a jazz band.
The dining ticket includes a champagne reception followed by a lavish five course feast with wine pairings in the setting of Trinity’s Great Hall before the Ball, which will set you back an additional £240 per pair of tickets.
And for those who can afford it, the VIP ticket includes entry to the ball for a champagne reception an hour before regular guests are let in, which costs an additional £240 per pair of tickets.
Trinity Ball’s committee says the ‘only acceptable attire is traditional Black Tie, White Tie or formal national dress. Lounge suits, neckties, and sports blazers are not permitted.’
It states that dresses must be ‘appropriate formal evening wear and below the knee,’ adding that floor-length ballgowns are usually the standard.
The committee added: ‘As we are a ‘Black Tie minimum’ Ball, the dress code will be strictly enforced; those who are not properly attired will not be allowed entry into the ball. Only small bags are permitted. Any sword worn as a part of national dress must be fixed in its sheath.’
In 2016, it was found that the panel responsible for organising the luxurious event spent more than £300,000, excluding VAT, which included a whopping £12,000 on fireworks alone.
Trinity College was founded in 1546 by Henry VIII and is the largest college in either Oxford or Cambridge, with famous alumni including King Charles and Sir Isaac Newton.
Its May Ball is held on the first Monday of May Week, which always takes place in June after exams, and is the largest event of the Cambridge student social calendar.
The first one took place in 1866 when the First Trinity team was head of the river and it has evolved over the 20th century.
The ball has continued every year since, apart from 1910 when King Edward VII died and between 1939 and 1945 during the Second World War.
