Every year in Cambridge a number of colleges host huge parties at the end of summer term, known as May Balls. These take place at night during the equally misnamed 'May Week' - a week long celebration of the end of university exams in June. Traditionally May Week was held before exams in May. The move to June reflected the more serious attitude to study which developed this century; all the balls take place after the exams have finished, and provide an opportunity for tired students to relax, and catch up on all the fun they've missed while revising!

Queens' May Ball started in 1913 and is held biennially. Since then Queens' has grown to be one of the three largest Cambridge May Balls. The May Ball takes places entirely on the old side of the college, among the historic buildings. There are four main courts, and a large lawn, all of which are used for the ball, as well as several indoor rooms. This venue is big enough to comfortably fit in all of our guests, but small enough to create an excellent and intimate atmosphere. Every court you walk into is used fully, so you won't find yourself wandering around trying to find something else to do.

Most courts have marquees in them - just in case it rains - and between about 9pm and 6am the committee transforms the old side of college into an extravaganza of entertainment, food and drink. The entertainments are very varied - everything from DJ's to Ball Room dancing, from dodgems to street artists. Last year one of the highlights was Boy George doing a two-hour session at the decks. The food and drinks is just as varied, and flows freely all night long. Last year we had stir-fries, oysters, ice cream, doughnuts... Drinks ranged from cocktails and wine to beer and alcopops, along with soft drinks and tea & coffee for breakfast.

All these things carry on until well after dawn breaks. The end of the ball is traditionally marked by the "Survivor's photo", a picture of all the guests who have made it through until morning.

Most of the May Balls have a theme around which they base their entertainment, food, drink and decorations. Queens' traditionally does not release any details about the theme, or what acts, food or drink will be at the Ball. The posters of Queens' May Balls allude to the theme, but only subtly. Last time the animals surrounding the Earth symbolised the different habitats (desert, jungle, artic, etc) that each court represented. Our guests know from our reputation that they will get a high quality and enjoyable night, but part of the fun of Queens' is walking through the door into the unknown.

Not at all. Anyone can buy a ticket. And not all our guests are students: there are usually a number of old members, college staff and relatives and friends of students.

There's an application form on this web site, or you can get forms from Queens' Porters' Lodge. If you have any problem, please e-mail us, or call 01223 302372, and we will send you an application form.

This depends on whether you buy a single or double ticket, and whether you opt to dine in our formal meal before the ball. Ticket prices are:

Single non-dining:	£88
Single dining:	£115
Double non-dining:	£172
Double dining:	£226

You can also buy posters and T-shirts, at £2 and £10 respectively.

The May Ball committee is not paid, we don't make any profit, and we spend as little as possible on administration, so almost all the money from ticket sales goes directly into food, drink, entertainment and so on. Once you are inside the ball, everything is free and unlimited, so you can drink and eat as much as you want (or can!). It's a bit like a combination of the Harrods food hall and Oddbins, except that everything is ready and served up for you - and on top of that it's like a circus, a funfair, a music festival and a classical concert who have all managed to confuse their bookings and turned up on the same night. In addition, we get discounts from many of our suppliers because we are buying so much, and donations from our sponsors - so you really get more than your money's worth.

Yes, we usually sell out within a few weeks of going on sale. There is no official 'last date' - we carry on selling tickets until there aren't any left.

After we sell out we will start a waiting list. Our guests can return their tickets for a full refund until April 30th. Please note that tickets are not transferable - for reasons of fire safety, only the named holder of the ticket at the time of application will be admitted to the ball and ID is required.

Please note that we have now sold out, and the waiting list has now been closed. Now more applications are being accepted.