It’s that time of year again…
For some uni students, the much-awaited law ball is the highlight of the social calendar.
So, with law ball season fast approaching, we had a chat to some of the students entrusted with the unenviable task of putting on the spectacle, to find out exactly what their university has to offer.
University of Cambridge
Ticket price: £90 for law society members, £105 for non-members
What you get: transport to and from Greenwich, a drinks reception, a meal, a photographer, entertainment including acrobat performances and magic, a silent disco, and massages.
Fun fact: this year’s law ball came to a bit of a messy end when a coach transporting students clipped a bus stop, reportedly smashing the bus’s glass.
University of Bristol
Ticket price: £40 with dinner, £20 without
What you get: it depends on the theme, but staples include access to a photo booth, a drink on entry, fairground rides, sweets, a live band, and entry and transport to the after party.
Fun fact: LawCareers.net voted Bristol’s law society the best for social events last year, with specific reference made to the law ball.
University of Lancaster
Ticket price: £30
What you get: a meal, a glass of wine, access to a photo booth, entertainment throughout the evening, and transport to a local nightclub after.
Fun fact: This year’s theme is the Great Gatsby.
University of Plymouth
Ticket price: it depends on your membership. If you’re a full member, your ticket is included in the joining fee. Basic members can expect to pay £15-£20.
What you get: a meal, a drinks reception, access to a photo booth, a live musician, a photographer and an after party. There is also an awards presentation at the ball, including a best lecturer award, which is voted on by the students.
Fun fact: the law ball has really upped its game recently. Just a few years ago, it was in a small function room above a bar, with cocktails and a small buffet.
University of Exeter
Ticket price: £25 for law society members, £35 for non-members
What you get: welcome cocktails, a meal, live entertainment and an awards ceremony. The event is unique to other law balls as it focuses on celebrating the efforts and achievements of the students, with awards up for debating, mooting and pro bono.
Fun fact: this year’s theme is “A night at the Oscars”, and while the entertainment is top secret, the committee guarantees it won’t disappoint.
University of Dundee
Ticket price: £95 for law society members, £120 for non-members
What you get: a coach to a top class Scottish hotel, a red carpet welcome to the ball, complete with a champagne reception, a meal, wine, canapés, entertainment, and Oscar style awards. The next day, the students are treated to a complimentary breakfast before making the journey back to Dundee. The hotel also has a pool, a gym and tennis courts.
Fun fact: the 2015 law ball is up for an award at the LawCareers.net Student Law Society Awards, and the winner will be announced on March 17.
University of Leicester
Ticket price: £40 for law society members, £45 for non-members (plus the option of buying a table of 10 for £380)
What you get: a meal, wine, dancers, and a DJ.
Fun fact: this year’s theme is Arabian Nights, and the décor includes lanterns that have been brought over from Marrakech.
University of Oxford
Ticket price: £90
What you get: a transfer to and from Oxford, a champagne reception, a meal, unlimited drinks and entertainment.
Fun fact: the latest ball is being held at Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Past balls have been held at the V&A, Warner Bros. Studios, and the Natural History Museum.
University of Warwick
Ticket price: £48
What you get: transport to and from the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, a champagne reception, a meal, entertainment, a photographer and access to a photo booth.
Fun fact: the ball is extremely popular, and the society maintains a reputation of selling 300 tickets in under 15 minutes.
King’s College London
Ticket price: £45 for law society members, £65 for non-members
What you get: one hour Prosecco reception, a meal, unlimited open bar, performances from the uni’s acapela group and a magician, access to a photo booth, and a DJ.
Fun fact: this year’s ball will be held at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Images via Ben Kilkelly, Jean Yang, Simon Coates, Erfan Mazloomi, Edwin YY, Jamie Corbin and Fortune Photos.