Formal Hall and the May Ball are quintessential elements of the Cambridge experience. They offer students the opportunity to engage with the university’s rich traditions while also enjoying moments of celebration and camaraderie. Together, these traditions encapsulate the balance of rigour and celebration that defines the Cambridge experience.
Formal Hall reflects the university’s intellectual and academic heritage. The atmosphere of the candlelit halls, the formality of the dress code, and the historical rituals create an experience that connects today’s students with the generations of scholars who have passed through Cambridge’s gates. It serves as a reminder of the university’s centuries-old commitment to academic excellence and its distinctive cultural practices.
On the other hand, the May Ball embodies the celebratory side of university life, where students can unwind and revel in their accomplishments. The extravagant balls are not just about luxury but about creating a memorable experience that marks the end of the academic year. The May Ball tradition adds a sense of grandeur to student life, transforming the colleges into magical, festival-like spaces where music, entertainment, and camaraderie reign.
Let’s learn a little more about each of them.
Formal Hall: Elegance and Academic Ritual
Formal Hall is one of the most distinctive and long-standing traditions at the University of Cambridge, embodying the ceremonial and academic spirit of the university. These formal dinners are held in the grand dining halls of Cambridge’s historic colleges, often multiple times a week, depending on the college. Formal Halls offer students, fellows, and occasionally guests the chance to dine in an atmosphere steeped in history and tradition, much like the formal dining practices that have taken place at Cambridge for centuries.
The event is defined by its formality and decorum. Students attending a Formal Hall are required to wear academic gowns, which adds to the sense of tradition and ceremony. The evening typically begins with students and faculty gathering in the dining hall, which is often lit by candlelight and adorned with historic portraits, wooden paneling, and vaulted ceilings that reflect the medieval origins of many of the colleges.
What To Expect
The dinner starts with the recitation of grace in Latin, a ritual that has been preserved over time. Each college has its own version of grace, and in some cases, it is chanted by the head of the college or a fellow. This reinforces the historical connection to Cambridge’s religious and academic roots. Following the grace, guests are served a multi-course meal, which can range from traditional English fare to gourmet dishes, all served with a sense of formality and respect for tradition.
Formal Halls are a key part of student life, providing not only a space for dining but also an opportunity for students to interact with fellows and guests in a setting that fosters intellectual conversation and camaraderie. While the atmosphere is formal, it is also celebratory, marking milestones throughout the academic year, such as the beginning of term or the end of exams. Some Formal Halls are themed, especially during festive periods, such as Christmas or the end-of-year celebrations, and the dress code and menu may reflect these themes.
The Examples of Formal Halls in Cambridge
- Trinity College Formal Hall: Trinity College hosts one of the most prestigious and traditional Formal Halls in Cambridge. The dinner takes place in the grand Great Hall, one of the largest dining halls in the university, complete with high ceilings, wood panelling, and portraits of distinguished alumni. Students dine in academic gowns, and the event often begins with a Latin grace. The atmosphere is formal yet celebratory, and the multi-course meals are served with great attention to tradition.
- St John’s College Formal Hall: The Formal Hall at St John’s College is another iconic event held in the college’s 15th-century Dining Hall. The setting is steeped in history, with Gothic architecture and an impressive display of stained glass windows. Attendees wear their academic gowns, and grace is typically said in Latin before the meal. The dining experience is formal and elegant, making it a key part of student life at St John’s.
- Pembroke College Formal Hall: Pembroke College is known for its intimate and atmospheric Formal Halls, held in its beautiful Old Hall, which dates back to the 14th century. Like other colleges, students and fellows wear academic gowns, and the event begins with the recitation of grace in Latin. Pembroke’s Formal Hall is notable for its warm, close-knit atmosphere, with students enjoying a three-course meal in a historic setting.
May Ball: The Ultimate End-of-Year Celebration
The May Ball is another iconic Cambridge tradition, celebrated with much fanfare at the end of the academic year. Despite its name, the May Ball is actually held in June, after the conclusion of exams, as a way to mark the beginning of the summer and the end of the academic pressures. The first May Balls date back to the early 19th century, and they have since evolved into extravagant, all-night events that are a hallmark of Cambridge social life.
May Balls are hosted by individual colleges, and they vary in scale and grandeur. Some of the most famous and opulent balls are held at Trinity College and St John’s College, both of which are known for hosting large-scale events that attract hundreds of students and guests. These prestigious colleges often compete for the most elaborate decorations, entertainment, and food offerings, making their May Balls among the most sought-after tickets in Cambridge.
The dress code for May Balls is strictly black tie or formal wear, with students and their guests arriving in evening gowns and tuxedos, often accompanied by their academic gowns. The atmosphere is one of high elegance and excitement, with many students treating the event as the pinnacle of their time at Cambridge.
What To Expect
The evening begins with a lavish dinner, followed by an array of entertainment that lasts until dawn. Live music is a central part of the experience, with some May Balls featuring well-known bands, orchestras, and DJs performing across multiple stages. Alongside the music, there are often fireworks displays, open bars, casino games, and carnival-style amusements, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Each ball is meticulously planned, and many have specific themes, such as masquerade, vintage Hollywood, or Venetian carnival, which influence the decorations, performances, and even the attire of the attendees.
Gourmet food and drink are abundant at the May Balls, with everything from champagne and cocktails to elaborate dessert buffets and food trucks. Many May Balls also offer breakfast in the early hours of the morning, allowing guests to refresh and reflect as the sun rises over the Cambridge skyline.
One of the key features of the May Ball is its longevity—it is designed to last the entire night, typically from 9 PM until 6 AM the next morning. This all-night celebration is a rite of passage for Cambridge students, a moment of joy and relief after the stress of exams, and a way to commemorate their time at the university. The May Ball experience is exclusive, as tickets are highly sought after, with some colleges offering them to alumni and external guests as well.
Three Examples of May Balls in Cambridge
- Jesus College May Ball: The Jesus College May Ball is known for its creative themes and vibrant atmosphere. Although smaller in scale than Trinity and St John’s, Jesus College hosts an equally impressive event, offering a diverse range of entertainment, from live music and dance floors to circus performers and light shows. Held on the stunning grounds of Jesus College, the ball has a reputation for being one of the more affordable and inclusive May Balls while still maintaining a high level of elegance and excitement.
Clare College May Ball: The Clare May Ball is one of the oldest and most popular May Balls in Cambridge, held in the beautiful gardens and courtyards of Clare College, located by the River Cam. Known for its stunning firework displays and vibrant entertainment, Clare’s May Ball offers a more intimate yet elegant experience compared to the larger balls at Trinity and St John’s. The event features live music, food stalls, and carnival-style attractions, all with a stylish and refined atmosphere. Its riverside setting adds a unique charm, with punting often incorporated into the festivities.
Pembroke College May Ball: The Pembroke May Ball is another highly regarded event, known for its smaller, exclusive feel and meticulously planned themes. Held in the historic and scenic grounds of Pembroke College, the ball combines traditional elegance with a wide variety of entertainment options, from live bands to acrobatic performances. Pembroke’s May Ball is noted for its attention to detail, creating a magical and immersive experience for attendees. Though less extravagant than the larger May Balls, it offers a more intimate and relaxed, yet equally luxurious, celebration.