Magdalene is an easy college for a may ball committee. Its grounds are beautiful, and leave plenty of space for the committee to play with. This ball felt big. There were numerous exciting nooks and crannies to explore, which although interesting, meant that some attractions were left a little out in the cold. The pizza tent in particular was precarious, whilst the chocolate fudge stand was suspiciously uncrowded. That said, the college looked wonderful. Attention to detail- such as the bar encircling a tree and sweets hanging from trees – made for a sumptuous ball.

The ents were mixed. The decision to have burlesque dancers paid off well and was a welcome contrast to the traditional setting. Life drawing classes amused guests as they sipped G&T and enjoyed pastel cupcakes. A funfair, and fish which rid the guests’ feet of dead skin, completed the array of activities on offer. Music wise, it was unfortunate that Jamie XXX doubled out on the day of the ball, but White Lies appeared to be an impressive replacement. However, on the night the tent was woefully empty during the set. In contrast the headliners, Mystery Jets, caused a frenzy. Itchy feet, while highly anticipated, was also far too quiet. Truly Medley Deeply and Staircase Band, as always, went down a storm.

As expected, the food was wonderful. The gourmet ‘build your own burger’ was a great idea, and the curry delicious. The Vault cocktail bar seemed wonderful, until you ventured far past the river and found the secret (yet still with a heavy queue) River Bar. The drinks here, though it took a while to get them, were mouth-watering. The champagne didn’t run out- a fresh bottle was opened in front of us when we queried the lack of full glasses. Most impressively of all, the bottles were opened with a sword- an incredible entrance to a fabulous ball.

From the Barbershop group on a punt entertaining the queue, to colourful cocktails, men inexplicably dressed as badgers, and a cooked breakfast in the morning, Magdalene holds it place as one of the best of the may balls. A spectacular event.