One evening in May, every other year, Brasenose’s quads are magically transformed as the biennial College Ball arrives. This year was no different, as on Saturday 6th May we explored the delights of Odyssey: A Journey into the Unknown.
Over 1,000 guests streamed through Brasenose’s gates onto Old Quad, where champagne receptions, cocktails, string quartets, other live music acts and a variety of food (not forgetting the swing boats) were offered throughout the night. Diners enjoyed a four-course Greek banquet in Hall, decorated to resemble the palaces of Ancient Greece. Non-diners were treated to delights such as Turkish toasties and a hog roast with vegan alternatives.
As guests passed through Old Quad and into Deer Park, they stumbled upon the Ball’s main bar alongside alcoholic milkshakes and liquid nitrogen ice cream. Entering the Chapel revealed a revolutionary auditory and visual performance from The Clokkemaker. Here the theme of exploring humanity’s relations with the stars really came to life through an installation of our solar system hanging above the quad.
Entering New Quad brought guests to the main stage, headlined by Shakka, but with other performances from some of Oxford’s most popular music acts. Noodle Nation fed the hungry as they streamed out of the huge tent covering the quad, from where they could enjoy some of the night’s alternative entertainment. There were a whole host of activities DTB (down the bar), and in other rooms surrounding the quad; including an escape room and even an indoor bouncy castle. With these treats and more throughout the night, it was impossible to run out of things to do. A silent disco kept noise down for our neighbours in the early hours.
Those who ‘survived’ the night (i.e. didn’t fall asleep) enjoyed breakfast and the traditional survivor’s photo as the sun began to rise, before they went home to enjoy a well-deserved sleep at 5am.
This year’s Ball Committee, led by Alice Wilcock, did a fantastic job of ensuring every guest had a wonderful night. I, for one, certainly cannot wait to come back for the next Ball in 2019.
By Miles Overton (Second Year Geography)
Photos copywright César Manivet Photography