As the sun began to rise over the dreamy spires of Oxford, students from Balliol College were seen making their way home—some barefoot, others clutching leftover sandwiches, and a few still buzzing from the excitement of the night.
After dancing the night away at the college’s sold-out May Ball, the city’s historic streets became a sleepy trail of ball gowns, tuxedos, and weary smiles.
The lavish event, themed Star Crossed Lovers, was a full-blown celebration of student life, glamour, and tradition.
And when the clock struck 4am, those who had lasted through the night posed for the traditional “survivor’s photo” before heading back into reality.
Glamour, Gowns, and a Touch of Whimsy
Balliol’s May Ball kicked off at 8pm on Friday evening and turned into a magical all-nighter filled with music, dancing, and more than a few quirky moments.
Early in the evening, Broad Street came alive as students, many donning masquerade masks, eagerly waited for the festivities to begin.
Inside the college, the night was nothing short of spectacular.
Dancers, themed rooms, and even a rave space pumping techno out into the cobbled streets turned the centuries-old campus into what looked like a mini music festival.
Drone footage captured the electric atmosphere from above, with strobe lights beaming across the courtyards and crowds swirling between stages.
Toploader—known best for their early 2000s hit Dancing in the Moonlight—headlined the event, offering a nostalgic treat for attendees.
Other entertainments included a silent disco, fun games, endless drinks, and plenty of food to keep everyone fuelled for the long night.
The Journey Home: Sandwiches, Shoeless Feet, and Beer Wagons
When the music faded and the lights dimmed, the post-ball scenes were just as memorable.
Some students trudged home barefoot, heels in hand.
One woman hitched a ride on a friend’s shoulders, while a trio sat curbside munching sandwiches for a much-needed energy boost.
A group of students, still holding on to the party spirit, wheeled crates of leftover beer down the road—one of them proudly swinging a croquet mallet.
Others opted for a brisk cycle home, waving cheerfully to the camera as they pedalled into the morning light.
Despite the exhaustion, the atmosphere was still one of joy, shared stories, and the kind of chaotic fun that defines the end of a great night out.
Tradition vs. Affordability: Oxford Keeps the Party Going as Cambridge Shifts Gears
While Oxford students celebrated in traditional May Ball fashion, over at Cambridge, things are changing.
Several colleges, including Robinson College, have started to move away from the extravagant May Ball model.
Faced with spiralling costs and low ticket sales, Robinson announced in February that it would cancel its ball this year in favour of a more budget-friendly, inclusive event.
Replacing the old format will be a new ‘mega bop’—a more affordable party-style celebration that retains the planned film noir theme.
Tickets will be available at significantly lower prices, opening the event up to more students.
The change, according to the college’s ball committee, reflects both rising event costs and growing concerns about accessibility.
The high price tag—sometimes reaching as much as £270 per ticket—had become too steep for many students, especially amid a cost-of-living crisis.
In fact, Robinson’s May Ball was cancelled back in 2019 due to low interest.
This year, the committee decided to reimagine the event entirely, with hopes of rekindling student excitement without the financial strain.
The Legacy of Oxford’s Balls Lives On
Back in Oxford, the tradition lives strong. Balliol’s event drew students and alumni alike, with tickets for former students priced at £165—a hefty sum, but one many felt was worth it for the experience.
Balliol, the university’s oldest college (founded in 1263), has a rich history of hosting these grand events.
Famous alumni like Boris Johnson and Rory Stewart once walked the same halls now filled with confetti and dance tunes.
Other colleges joined in the celebrations as well.
At Lady Margaret Hall, students were still seen heading home around 5am, dragging their feet but glowing from the night’s festivities.
A Tale of Two Universities and Their Party Plans
While Oxford doubles down on opulence, Cambridge is experimenting with accessibility.
It’s a reflection of changing times and shifting student priorities—some want the glitz, others just want to dance without breaking the bank.
Whether in ball gowns under disco lights or in trainers at a budget-friendly bop, one thing’s for sure—students will always find a way to celebrate.