Oxford balls: are they worth the cost?

Balls are an important part of almost every Oxford student’s experience. I have been to two Oxford balls so far: the Conscious Ball (the first Oxford and Cambridge ball, which was set up to promote awareness about mental health issues), and the New College Commemoration Ball (a triennial white-tie ball held in my college). These events are a chance to spend time with friends, indulge in all the best foods and drinks, and dance the night away (often quite literally, since they usually end at dawn). However, more often than not, there is a hefty price tag attached to them, with some tickets going well beyond £200. Is it worth spending this much on just one evening? Yes and no, I would argue.

The Conscious Ball

My experience

I attended the Conscious Ball back in November 2017. My friends and I had all had our various mental health struggles since starting university, and were keen to support a cause that was close to our hearts. Even better: tickets were about as cheap as they come, at £75.

We piled into a coach and set off towards Tewin Bury Farm Hotel in Welwyn Garden City (halfway between Oxford and Cambridge). We enjoyed a champagne reception, before setting off to explore the various stalls dotted about the place. From live music stages to glitter face painting stands, we had plenty to occupy ourselves with, and when we felt peckish or thirsty, there was plenty of food and booze (all included in the ticket) to indulge in.

Any downsides?

Overall, I had a fantastic time at this ball. However, if I had to criticise one thing, it would probably be the number of staff on duty. There were a lot of long queues – I think we had to wait about half an hour for food – and I think if there’d been a few more people working, this issue could easily have been resolved. This was just a tiny niggle, though, and by and large, this evening was first-rate.

Was it worth the price?

I think the Conscious Ball definitely was worth the price. £75 certainly isn’t nothing, but in the grand scheme of things, it was a pretty cheap event, and it was pretty easy to get your money’s worth. I must also give a shout-out to the lost property staff, who successfully located and returned my friend’s lost phone.

The New College Commemoration Ball 2019

My experience

This year’s New College Commemoration Ball was something else. It was the first college ball I’d been to, so I didn’t have much to compare it with, but everyone I knew who’d attended multiple events like this said that this was the best they’d ever been to. It was clear that the committee had put an enormous amount of effort into perfecting everything, from the décor of the place, to the wellbeing of the punters. Little details like the mini toiletries (deodorants, tampons, etc. ) in the bathrooms – not to mention the water bottles and ice lollies given out in the queue – really made all the difference.

My friends and I had to wait about an hour in line before we were admitted into the ball, but as soon as we entered through the gates of New College, we were blown away. There was so much to do, from watching professional dancers and musicians perform, to getting your hair and makeup done, to riding on swing boats, to taking part in cheese and wine tasting. Queues were a lot shorter here than at the Conscious Ball, not necessarily because there were more staff, but rather because there were so many different wining and dining options. From vegan wraps, to French pastries, to steak and chips, to waffle sticks: you name it; they had it.

My main reason for going to this ball was to catch up with friends I hadn’t seen since I’d set off on my year abroad. The other features of the event were, then, merely added benefits, but I don’t think I could have faulted a single one. It was a night to remember (even for those who drank rather too much for this to be possible! ).

Any downsides?

I actually cannot think of a single negative aspect of this ball, aside from the awful blisters I developed on my feet – no one’s fault but my own!

Was it worth the price?

£200 was a rather daunting ticket price, and as I clicked ‘confirm’ on the website, I thought there was no way the committee would succeed in creating an event that was worth paying so much to attend. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. I didn’t take advantage of all the ball’s amenities, but if anyone had made a conscious effort to do so, they’d have got their money’s worth without much problem. Below, I’ve given an example of how this could have worked.

We were lucky enough to have famous DJ, Sigala, perform: a normal concert of his would have cost at least £30 to attend. There were Hennessy tasting sessions available: usually £20. Hairstyling and a makeover? Normally upwards of £60. Food? Meals from three stalls would typically have cost about £20 all together. One drink an hour? £60 overall, based on normal bar or festival prices. A ride on the swing boats? £5. One go in the photo booth? £5. The grand total of all these prices? £200. With everything included in the ticket price, there was nothing to lose, and everything to gain!

Overall opinion

I’ve given both balls overwhelmingly positive reviews, so why, you may ask, did I begin by saying that these events weren’t necessarily worth the cost? Well, for all their good qualities, balls are just balls. I know that I was extremely privileged to be able to afford my respective tickets, and that it was a great luxury for me to attend these events. Had I not been in this financial position, would I have missed out enormously? Not really: balls are ultimately pretty pretentious affairs, and there are many better and more important things to spend one’s money on.

Having said this, if you are willing to fork out this sum of money, I can tell you now that you won't be disappointed! Ticket priority is given to students and alumni (and their plus ones), but members of the general public can get their hands on them too after the initial round of sales. Just make sure you’re free when they’re released: they usually sell out within seconds!

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