Students attended the Christ Church College May Commemoration Ball on Saturday night celebrating 500 years of education since the foundation of Cardinal College in 1525 by Thomas Wolsey which was later re-established as ‘Christ Church’ by King Henry VIII. 

Students and alumni arrived at the ball queuing in the blistering heat on Saturday 21 June at the Canterbury Gate that leads to the Broad Walk of the grounds in glorious gowns and stuffy full evening dress, white tie suits.

During the evening the students were treated to a firework display and later the heavens opened giving a short respite from the sweltering temperatures.

The college has been attended by David Dimbleby, Lewis Carroll (author of Alice in Wonderland), former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams and Albert Einstein who took up a 5-year Research Studentship in 1931.

The headliner for the night was The Japanese House who has racked up over 2 million Spotify listeners and collaborated with Charli XCX.

The night's theme of ‘Golden Carnival’ is inspired by the Field of the Cloth of Gold; a historical occasion that marked the union between Henry VIII and King Francis I of France.

Tickets to the special anniversary ball sold out in seconds however a ballot was available in May for Alumni on a waiting list for 320 pounds plus booking fee. The event did however sell out completely.

In early June there was an offer for a discounted ticket in exchange for 6 hours of work as a Student Helper, however the discount was not revealed online, nor was the type of work required.

The ticket price included food and drink all night and various music and fairground rides.

Those who survived until early Sunday morning posed for a Survivors photo at 5am and were given bacon rolls and lollies to munch on, on their way home.

ENDS