May Ball in Cambridge
A May Ball is a university Ball held at the end of an academic year, and is a tradition particularly associated with the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England. In Oxford it is known as a Commemoration Ball or "Commem.", because it is held in the 9th Week of Trinity term, known as "Commem. Week." because the university Encaenia (commemoration of benefactors) is held in that week. Cambridge probably takes the May Ball tradition most seriously, with many end-of-year Balls being held in Cambridge by various colleges each year, whereas these Balls are less frequent at Oxford and other universities.
Many university colleges originally held the Balls during the month of May (hence their name)- sometimes deliberately in the week preceding year-end exams. Today, they now often occur in June following the end of exams (in Cambridge, May Balls begin in May Week, the week starting usually on the second Thursday of June and which includes Suicide Sunday). Cambridge May Balls typically last all night (9pm to 6am) and include food and a selection of entertainments, such as classical music, rock bands, magicians, fireworks, etc. They are usually very expensive to attend (prices range from around £80 to £160 per single ticket, with some colleges only selling tickets in pairs), and require formal evening dress. Several colleges host a variation on these Balls, such as the Pembroke College June Event. June Events are similar in content to May Balls, but are usually less stringent on dress requirements and more focussed on live music.
The First And Third Trinity Boat Club May Ball, held by Trinity College, Cambridge, is the most famous of the Cambridge May Balls, occurring annually and always held on the first Monday of May Week. Rumours abound of its budget - often placed in the region of £1,000,000. However, it is thought the rumours are just this and that the actual budget is somewhat less. Other annual Balls are held by Clare, Jesus, Robinson, and St John's Colleges, of which John's Ball is the largest. Most other Cambridge colleges, for example Corpus Christi hold May Balls every two years. Most balls are themed, The First And Third Trinity Boat Club May Ball is notable for its lack of a theme.