The Trinity Ball

I wasn’t planning on going to the famous Trinity Ball. It’s expensive, it’s all night, and I hadn’t heard of any of the bands. But come February 19, I walked into the apartment to find all my roommates listening to the acts and planning their outfits and asking if I’d gotten a ticket yet because there were only a few hundred left, and, well, five minutes letter I was getting a confirmation email assuring me that “You shall go to the ball!”

What is the Trinity Ball? Described somewhat pompously as “the largest private music party in Europe,” it’s TCD’s annual black-tie, all-night, five-stage excuse for around 7000 people to celebrate the end of Hilary term classes before buckling down to exams. The gorgeous old buildings of the front square are covered in projected lights, the official regulations warn that “Patrons wearing kilts will not be permitted to wear or carry ‘dress knives’ into the Ball area,” and the people-watching is unbeatable.

All kinds of brochures (official and otherwise) offer tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Ball experience, but here are mine.

1) Your dress is undoubtedly lovely, but it’s early April in Ireland and you’re not going to be in the dance tent all night. Wear a jacket. Preferably one with pockets, because…

2) If you have to carry it, you’re probably going to lose it. For the next week, the Facebook event page was full of heartrending pleas for lost iPhones, keys, cameras, and lipsticks in very specific shades.

3) Do not, under any circumstances, be that person who starts a shouting match over the Portaloo queue. Manners are important. Wait your turn.