Cambridge Pink Week started with a bang: an explosion of pink-themed food, drink, activities, and decorations – and in the most beautiful of locations. Needless to say, the Pink Week Ball was a triumph of raising awareness at the beginning of seven days of university-wide events, and was set in the wonderful Hinchingbrooke House in Huntingdon, northwest of Cambridge.

From the pink fudge treats courtesy of Cambridge Fudge Kitchen, to the gorgeous cupcakes from Lola’s, and the fizzy pink glass of champagne on arrival, the night oozed creativity and fun – the perfect mixture for a fabulous cause. The driving force behind the event was the need to raise awareness amongst students about the importance of checking for the signs of breast cancer. Throughout the night, there were opportunities to find out key information, as well as dance along to the student live acts, and the I Am Beyoncé experience in the early hours of the morning.

There was a casino, and miniature boat swings, as well as a Pub On Wheels and a dedicated Food Avenue with everything from Nanna Mexico to paella. Inside, there were more pink-themed food treats. Drinks included a cranberry cocktail, as well as copious amounts of coconut water and wine, supplied by both Cranes of Cambridge and VitaCoco, amidst others.

The live acts were a popular venue with the guests, ranging from student bands such as B & The Jukeboys, to the main stage acts such as Afriquoi DJ Set and The Cogo. The music went on through the entire night, and there was never a dull moment to be had.

Many a ball-goer took the obligatory ‘boob’ photo with the CoppaFeel charity team, alongside fake tattoos, and badges reading ‘TEAM BOOBS’ in huge letters. There was the chance to have your face glittered, and write on a huge poster the reasons why Pink Week should happen. An official photographer buzzed around the event, and the pink candyfloss machine was a popular choice for many.

One could not help but pay attention to the reasons for the ball, and it is vital that the message is spread far and wide among the student community. As young people, students wouldn’t necessarily put checking for signs of breast cancer at the top of their to-do list. With deadlines to meet, and training for various sports teams, or rehearsals for theatre to attend, taking a few minutes to perform a series of important checks is something that should be scheduled.

Throughout the night there were leaflets and booklets handed out, detailing the signs to look out for, and what to do to check oneself for any worrying signs. There was even a chance to sign up for a monthly text from the Uni Boob Team to ‘remind you it’s time to coppafeel of your boobs’ – blunt and direct, but it achieves the desired aim, and possibly saves lives in the process.

The Pink Week event now stretches across seven different university campuses in the country, and has raised £30,000 since it began. The Cambridge Pink Week Ball raised a further £15,000 to help fund new Pink Week start-ups across more UK university campuses, as well as to continue the fantastic work of the charity in raising awareness amongst students.

To sign up to the Uni Boob Team’s monthly reminder message, text UBT CAMBRIDGE to 70500. To find out more about looking out for signs of breast cancer, check out CoppaFeel’s website.