NICOLE

The annual Trevs’ Winter Ball took place last week on 8th December. As both a fresher and international student, I was eager to attend my first ever ball, though admittedly less excited about the price tag attached—£55 for the full package and £33 for entertainment alone. However, balls have always been marketed as an integral part of the Durham experience, and so, I quickly buried these doubts and purchased tickets.  

JESSICA

As a first year, but not a fresher; new to Trevs this year, but not new to Durham; I had not attended a Winter Ball yet, so was excited for my first experience. With just over £20 difference between Dinner & Ents and Ents-only ticket, I thought it was probably more immersive to take up the dinner. There was a theme of “Starry Night” and many people were dressed in themed colours, but it wasn’t something really taken too much to heart. The confusing bus situation was interesting (not the JCR’s fault, of course, but I am glad it was not raining that night!), with 4 college balls leaving from the same location, and it was about 30 minutes before we got on ours and on our way. A short trip later, we arrived at the venue, which was very pretty, lit up with Christmas ornaments outside, and well decorated within.  

Balls have always been marketed as an integral part of the Durham experience

Dinner ticket holders arrived to a welcome drink, Prosecco or a bottled lager, and headed into the dining room for a chat before dinner. Dinner was well-organised, and the staff (overall, as they did get some allergy meals wrong) were quick and efficient. I had the meat option which started with salmon fishcakes and a pea sauce. I find three-course meals a bit too much sometimes, but I had purposefully not eaten a lot by that point to avoid that! The main course of lamb was enjoyable, maybe a bit underdone as it was a little tough, and the vegetable selection with this was a bit random. The vegetarian option started with gnocchi in what looked like a tomato sauce, and the main was six falafel balls with rice. Those who picked the veggie option didn’t seem too impressed, and it felt like a bit of a last-minute thought. Dessert was perhaps the highlight, but the thick layer of chocolate as “decoration” on the plate was odd, and felt a little wasteful.  

NICOLE

For ents ticket holders, the evening got off to a bit of a shaky start with the less than ideal hollering on the journey there. The welcome drinks that were promised upon arrival did not materialise for ents ticket holders who arrived later in the evening, which sparked a small controversy that was recently addressed by a refund from the JCR. Nonetheless, I trudged on with my ensemble, my wariness dissipating as I took in the beautiful surroundings.  

It seems safe to say that attendees were having a great time

The hall was adorned with Christmas lights and other decorations, making a stunning backdrop for the many digital camera photos guests in shimmering gowns were posing for. Dan Wattis, our ever-dedicated photographer, dashed around the room to capture moments of exuberance and joy. The photobooth, as always, was a popular destination, attracting long lines that I gladly joined to collect mementos of the evening.

Although the size and energy of the dancing crowd varied depending on the set and alcohol intake, having witnessed more than one person performing the worm on the dance floor, it seems safe to say that attendees were having a great time. A highlight of the evening was watching our JCR president, Harry Naylor, perform his heart out to rock ballads. 

JESSICA

Overall, I feel the Dinner & Ents tickets was well-worth it. Though some odd food choices, the meal was in general tasty and filling. Drinks were a little pricy, but honestly not as expensive as could have been. It should be understood that planning and executing an event outside of college for a reasonable price and for the first time is not an easy task, and honestly, the Winter Ball executive committee did a wonderful job. Nothing felt unplanned. The photobooth was a real highlight for me; the MCR lot went through a fair few times. And of course the music was great, featuring our favourite fish-inspired band Hayk. Some of the comments I received about the previous Winter Balls in college said they felt like any other Trevs formal, and so they were pleased this year that it was external. Hopefully, this will be a recurring trend. 

Image: Dan Wattis