As the leftover Christmas chocolate is rapidly dwindling, and the overwhelming realisation that you should probably lift the lid of your laptop sucks away all that was left of your festive feel-good like an academic black hole, let’s look ahead to some of the events this term that will provide much-needed relief from the interminable summative slog and dark and dismal evenings. 

Burns Night Formal 

The first formal of 2026 pays homage to Scotland’s poetic great, Robert Burns. For those who don’t believe in immortality, Burns is an excellent advert for cultural longevity as we gather in Trevs Dining Hall to celebrate his birth, some 230 years after his death. This is a great way to start the new term with friends, and don’t worry, kilts are not mandatory. I’m sure Trevs’ Cal Soc contingent will make sure that tartan is well represented; spare a thought for those walking back to Gilesgate in the biting January cold. The menu and booking form have yet to be released, but I’m confident JCR Treasurer Cody Boyd would give you great odds for haggis being the main course. With that in mind, please keep Thursday, 29^th January, free, Scotsmen (and friends). Being one-quarter Scottish and having written maybe three poems in my lifetime, this one tickles my fancy.

JCR Tier One Elections 

For those of you interested in running for JCR Executive roles, JCR Chair and HEX Deputy Editor-in-Chief Andrew Hamilton will soon open nominations for the Tier One elections. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and leave your mark on Trevs JCR. If you have a grand utopian vision for Trevs, or simply lament the tales of students past who got dessert every night, and not merely once every blood moon when Trevor the donkey arises from his slumber to dish out free crumble, then why not stand for election? The roles up for grabs will be President, Chair, Vice President, Treasurer, Social Chair, Clubs and Societies Officer, Tech Manager, Buttery Chair, Welfare Officer(s), and Publicity Officer. If you aspire to any of these positions, you will need to create a short manifesto and then hust in front of your JCR comrades (date tbc). Look out for Andrew’s email on how to properly apply if you are interested, as no doubt my commentary somehow contravenes election standing orders. Even if you don’t fancy applying, be sure to attend JCR meetings and get involved, as the new position holders will be representing your interests and shaping how your levy is spent! Come down to the husts and ask questions or simply treat it as a spectator sport; rumour on the street has it that this presidential election will be contested. Let’s hope for some big campaigns… be sure to look out for HEX’s candidate interviews!

This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and leave your mark on Trevs JCR

TCMS’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

This year, TCMS are taking on Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, a musical about a sixteen-year-old boy named Jamie who lives in Sheffield and dreams of becoming a drag queen. Supported by his loving mother and best friend, he must overcome bullies, prejudice, and his unsupportive father to step into the spotlight at his school prom and become a sensational performer. The plot is based on the true story of Jamie Campbell from Bishop Auckland and explores themes of acceptance, identity, and self-discovery. Running from Wednesday, 25th February to Saturday, 28th February in Trevs Dining Hall, TCMS aims to follow up last year’s critically acclaimed Jesus Christ Superstar’with a “bigger and bolder” production. Last year’s performance was triumphant, emphatically showcasing the capabilities of student-led productions in Trevs. Everyone at TCMS would greatly appreciate your support, and I would strongly encourage everyone, particularly those living in, to attend. Look out for more information from TMCS regarding tickets in due course, but be quick. This one will be popular! 

Last Year’s Performance of Jesus Christ Superstar

Image Credit: Dan Wattis

Halfway Formal 

February’s Halfway Formal (date tbc) marks the halfway point of the academic year, but also the halfway point of the Durham journey for those who are in the second year of three-year undergraduate degrees, albeit slightly complicated by the fact that everyone and their aunt around here seems to do four-year courses. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the year(s) past, surrounded by great friends made along the way. For those of you in your first year, you’ll be halfway through your year living in Trevs, with your year’s mandatory service in deep Gilesgate edging closer by the day, but no doubt you’re sick of getting out of bed at 4 am twice a week when your flatmate burns toast. For those in your second year, the halfway point of your degree is slightly more existential, and for many, it’s the point where the work must actually start. No, seriously, for real. Well, there’s always third year for that anyway, or a panic year abroad to further kick the can down the line. For those already in their third year, each formal brings a sense of premature nostalgia, knowing that each night like this is finite, so why not make the most of another chance to dine with your friends? 

This is a great event that showcases the Trevs community at its most vibrant

The Manglers’ Charity Gig 

The Manglers return with their annual charity gig, following last year’s in aid of Macmillan, which was my personal highlight of Epiphany at Trevs. Think three hours of jazz and jazz-pop covers with the whole Manglers cohort live and in the flesh. This is a great event that showcases the Trevs community at its most vibrant: you’ll see people from all years dancing all night long. To go with good music, there’s usually a signature drink at the bar and a charity raffle, if you needed any more motivation than simply listening to three hours of Bruno Mars covers and getting to watch Oli Matthews play trumpet. This year’s charity is yet to be chosen, but The Manglers will hope to match the impressive £500 raised for Macmillan last year. 

These are just a few of the events Epiphany at Trevs offers. Keep an eye out for some themed Unplugged nights (including one in collaboration with Queer Sphere on 26^th January), Sixth Side’s production of Bex Smith’s student-written play Lavender in February, TCOS/Chamber Choir x Castle Choir x John’s Music Society at Castle Great Hall on 17^th March, and potentially a rebranded Trevs Night somewhere along the way, but don’t take that as gospel. Whatever you do or don’t make it to this term, remember to take a break from the academic side of things and find some time to enjoy Durham. Our time here really is fleeting, as I’m only ever more aware. 

Cover Image: Dan Wattis