The Ultimate Ball Guide for Trinity Term 2025

Trinity is on the way, and with that comes ball season. There are no less than a dozen balls in Oxford this Trinity, and even more in Cambridge. Let’s dive into them.

Starting off early in on the 26th April, we have the New College Boat Party and the Exeter College Ball. The New College Boat Party is Oxford’s biggest boat party, while Exeter’s Oceana theme promises guests that they will be immersed in a trance of beauty, hidden in the depths of the sea.

A week later, we’ll be back for a big one with the Somerville-Jesus Ball on the 3rd May. While tickets are now sold out, it looks to be a brilliant ball, inviting guests to step back in time with their La La Belle Époque theme. There’ll be bold performances, exquisite cocktails, and indulgent cuisine: they reckon it’s going to be an unforgettable celebration.

The 10th May will be a buzzing evening in Oxford, with not one, nor two, or even three or four, but instead five different college balls. We have Balliol Ball, with its Star-Crossed Lovers theme, hosting a masquerade ball, while if you prefer something a little more traditional LMH have their Garden of Hesperides ball, drawing from Greek mythology.

For the postgrads amongst you, Wolfson Ball will be that same evening. Their theme looks mysterious judging from their social media – it’s titled Kiss of Death: A Gothic revival. It’s not the only mysterious ball that night though. Mansfield’s Secret Society Ball will also be taking place, and while there aren’t many details yet, it should be an exciting evening. Finally, there will also be the familiar classic of St Hilda’s Ball, a yearly event which always delivers a fun filled night. Their theme this year is Carnaval: A Night in New Orleans, so you should get thinking about your outfits now.

Looking to Cambridge, there are a number of exciting events as we get into June. Sidney Sussex are holding a May Week Event this year, on the 21st June, after holding a larger May Ball last year. Two days later, it will be Clare’s turn, with the Clare May Ball on the 23rd June. This year’s theme is A Night at Studio 54 – you’ll have to pull out your best dance moves.

Then Newnham JCR and MCR will be holding their annual garden parties on the 24th and 26th June. These are always buzzing events, so be sure to get your tickets soon – the themes for both of them will be revealed in February. And finally in Cambridge on OXEX this year is the King’s Affair, one of Cambridge’s biggest and best May Week events – make sure to snap up your tickets to this year’s Affair on the 25th June for beats, not Bollinger.

Cambridge won’t be having all the fun in June though, as Oxford will see four different Commemoration Balls this year. Commemoration balls are known for their lavish festivities, luxurious settings, and fiery finishes to a long Oxford year.

Kicking them off will be Christ Church on the 21st June, who’s Commemoration Ball this year is themed Golden Carnival in honour of their 500th anniversary. They’re drawing inspiration from the Field of the Cloth of Gold, so it should be an evening fit for royalty.

The following Friday, 27th June, both Wadham and Queen’s College will hold Commemoration Balls. Wadham have opted for a Studio 74 theme drawing inspiration from the famous New York nightclub, while Queen’s are opening up the Queen's College Chocolate Factory for their ball this year. Both promise to be spectacular evenings from dusk until dawn. That same evening, Hertford will also be hosting the Heorot Ball; they invite you to step into the world of Old English folklore.

And finally, wrapping up the Commemoration Balls for the year, is New College Commemoration Ball. Always one of the most breathtaking Oxford balls, it only comes around every three years. This year, the committee have chosen the theme as La Vie En Rose, inviting you to a night inspired by Paris in her full bloom. It will be one not to miss.

For a full list of upcoming balls and to purchase tickets, checkout the OXEX guide here.