Life in John’s Editor, Maddy Chammings, runs through what to expect at Bailey Ball and how freshers should prepare in order to make the most of their first college ball.
As Michaelmas trundles on, amongst talk of formatives and deadlines, you will have heard of the infamous Bailey Ball by now. It is all over SJCR’s social media and will increasingly become the topic of conversation in the dining hall this week. A black-tie night of revelry will see the college transformed into Atlantis with 12 hours of music, food, drink and games. So what is actually to be expected this night, and how should you prepare?
As you will likely be aware, different tickets were for sale. You could get the Meal and Ents or Meal Only ticket, which would let you enjoy a drinks reception and decadent three-course meal alongside friends. Buying an Ents Only ticket would allow you to join the festivities after the meal has finished, arriving just as the party starts!
Don’t worry if you decided to get an Ents Only ticket and feel as if you may miss out, as it’s quite common to go for a meal in town, or spend the extra time getting ready for the night with friends. Make sure to buy your tickets in order to enter and obtain your wristband, as security on the night will check!
From 5:00pm will be a drinks reception serving some Floral Atlantis Fizz, alongside studio photography, so make sure to attend if you want to start the night on the right foot and get some professional pictures taken of you and your friends. Dinner will begin at 6:30pm so if you have a Meal ticket, make sure to get there to enjoy the Atlantis-themed courses.
As entertainment starts at around 8:30pm – 9:00pm, you will be met with the sounds of merry students and friends of the college. As a fresher, many will be unfamiliar faces so do take this opportunity to meet new people! In the marquee, the bar will be stocked to the top with some good deals on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with live music from student bands like the famous Basement Jazz, Magnolia and The Quays, so expect to hit the ground running with good company in Leech Hall.
Throughout college, entertainment will consist of crazy golf (very fun as the wine catches up with you), a ball pit, a balloon artist, a face painter and numerous inflatable novelties and games. There will also be a photo booth, so make sure to gather your friends for some fun photos to commemorate the night!
As the night continues into the small hours, John’s own DJ Leskow will take over the sound in Leech Hall, followed by the ever-popular silent disco. In my opinion, this is one of the highlights, as everyone starts to feel the effects of the night but congregates to Leech Hall, raring to stay up for the 5:30am rewards.
Trev’s Buttery and a food van will be around in order to satiate your hunger with sweets and classic greasy snacks like cheesy chips. Think Paddy’s but on your doorstep!
If something goes wrong, St. Chad’s College Wellbeing will be on duty to provide help where necessary in the Tristram Room, which is also the designated Quiet Room if you want to catch your breath and get some water. Security will also be dotted around for any particularly pressing concerns.
Of course, there is no pressure to stay the whole night, despite the rewards of pizza and a rather smug group photo (including bragging rights that everyone will forget about after a term) so be responsible and respectful to your peers!
Regardless, every single year it is guaranteed to be a fun night – keep tabs on John’s SEC Instagram for any more details and updates. I recommend freshers be prepared for some heavy socialising and activity (have some trainers on hand to replace your heels!) It will be a night of core memories for freshers and nostalgia for returners, so make sure to show up looking your best and let your hair down. Get excited and see you there!
Image Credit: Grant Kuppenheimer and John’s SEC
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