Jerry Daykin

On Tuesday 16th, the doors of the Museum of Curiosity were opened at Queens' College. It all kicked off before even entering; whilst queuing, a Glee-style choir sang Abba whilst Percy Pigs and Whisky Sours were handed out. The guests were then greeted by a contortionist and mime act which immediately transported everyone into the world of the ball, along with the champagne and fairy lights.

All the courts were completely transformed, each being entirely unique, offering no clue as to what to expect or behold in the next. In one there were dodgems and a neurone race and in another, a quiet reading area.  This spurred you on to search the crooks and crevasses of the college with curiosity driving you to uncover more and more.

You could see the high degree of attention paid to the smallest of details, from strategically placed mushrooms, giraffes and elephants to providing diffraction glasses to watch the fireworks. It was particularly thoughtful when, in the early hours, pashminas were handed out for warmth.   

Some elements were a little unusual; the Augmented reality sandbox and Nutcracker were something different entirely. In how many may balls is there a moving scrap metal creature? There were even statues in latex thongs! The ball also hosted a Roller Disco where you had to rock skates and attempt to look graceful at the same time! This was also a problem for total wipeout; it's very hard to jump over a rotating pilon in a ball gown! However, the committee have to be praised for their remarkable patience and eye for perfection, that was constant throughout the night.

The food was pretty phenomenal and there was something for everyone; savoury and sweet, salty and spicy.  The best in my eyes, was the Gourmet Marshmallows and Gelato which, served all night, satisfied any sweet tooth.  I was also particularly impressed by the Bloody Mary sorbet which took gelato to a new level, although the portions were so small I must have gone back about fifty times!

And of course, the drink was flowing in abundance- I was especially fond of the Gin and Tonic tent, and Fruit martini bar. I hit the Champagne Cocktail Bar hard, partly due to the lovely staff that made the whole experience much more fast. One utterly remarkable surprise was the whisky tornado; vaporised whisky which you inhale through a straw.

I attended Queens' ball not having any idea of the names in the line-up, with exception to Bewitched – and that wasn't for their musical splendour!  However now I can safely say I am a huge fan of the Coasts, and their catchy upbeat music quickly got the packed out courts up and dancing; that and their absurd hair flicks. For me though, Lucy Rose stole the night. Recognising her voice from adverts, I was overwhelmed with her performance centre stage and quite mystified with the serenity of her voice. 

I expect there could be laughter heard for miles around thanks to the quality of comedic acts on offer. Mark Watson, Queens alumnus, took the lead, having spoken at the Union a few hours previously. Liam Williams, a new face to many, was just as hilarious as Watson, despite having a hard act to follow. His comedy was more dry, but seemed more relatable to the younger audience. 

What really made this ball however, in my view, was the people. 2000 people strong, Queens was packed out, but this brought the whole place alive and buzzing, in an otherwise still and quiet night. The students and alumni had such a love for their college and this created an atmosphere that was exciting and dynamic, inclusive of everyone, regardless of age or whether they were complete strangers.

The only real criticism I can come up with, at a push, was that it was all just a bit too much in not enough time.