With the ambitious theme of ‘Quest’, Emmanuel’s June Event made big promises of escape and escapades that would kick off this year’s May Week. Unfortunately, these romantic dreams failed to materialise. Perhaps it was due to my lack of inebriation, perhaps it was due to the 1am drizzle that caused my perfectly straightened hair to frizz, or perhaps it was due to the spacious courts that created a sense of emptiness, but, for whatever reason, I was left somewhat unimpressed and slightly damp.

Emmanuel is just too big; beautiful, yes, but simply too big to create the sense of business and energy that is essential to a June Event. The main stage was frequently under-populated, although this is no reflection on the amazing talent that was being displayed there. Eliza and the Bear were a refreshingly folksy alternative to the typical pop bands seen at May Week events; with an abundance of potential, and catchy songs, they kept the party-goers entertained in the early hours. Truly Medley Deeply were favourites, attracting a large number of revellers with their upbeat tunes. But, as mentioned, the vast grounds of Emmanuel meant that crowds were dispersed and a buzzing liveliness was always just on the cusp of being achieved.

The theme lent itself to the disconnected court structure of Emma. Not restricting itself to one definition, ‘Quest’ amalgamated Arthurian legend with sci-fi moon-treks and Wild West rodeo. As guests transitioned from one court to another, they were ostensibly transported into several different eras; indeed, the vast and diverse collection of decor meant that it often felt as if one was attending numerous, separate, events which sustained interest and excitement much more than a unified theme would have done in such a large space. The Wild West area was particularly fun, with a shooting range, water zorbs, and inflatable obstacle course that allowed grown-ups in black tie to revel in their childish tomfoolery once again. As always, the shisha lounge was popular, with those too cool to bop in the cheesy-music tent lounging on silk cushions under cover of the willow tree. The food was excellent with delectable delights such as paella, pizza, and doughnuts providing sustenance. Although I could not sample the alcohol, reliable sources inform me that the ale table was simply glorious and the cocktails were “deliciously refreshing”.

Yet, for all the wonderful ents, the event was overshadowed by the relative size of the courts themselves. Although there were long queues for doughnuts and paella, the outside tents and attractions were spaced wide apart and often empty, and in the early morning bitter cold, the interior venues became hot and sweaty as hoards of guests searched for somewhere to sit down in the warm. Though the crowded atmosphere engendered spontaneous bonding and provided the buzzing excitement I expected from an event, the night would have been improved if such an atmosphere had transferred to the outside venues as well. Ambitious, but unrealistic, Emma was nevertheless a great start to my May Week.