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Cambridge May Ball Week

The Cambridge annual may balls’ week is finally back again. If you are wondering what the fuss is all about, well the May week is pretty much the snazziest time of the year in Cambridge.

11 June, 2025

May Ball Week

Cambridge May Ball Week

It’s that time of year again! The snazziest week in Cambridge is on the way for students to revel in. Think glam, white-tie, and sparkling fireworks as the cherry on top. The Cambridge May Balls are the ultimate toast to the end of the academic year – study hard, party harder.

What are the May balls?

Whilst each college will host its own ball, St John’s and Trinity are renowned for the extent of their extravaganza. Some colleges, like Christ’s College, hold their summer ball every other year in the aim to save up their budget even more. A student committee plans the entire event and a myriad of entertainment. This student committee has a lot of pressure to make their May Ball not only grander than last year’s, but better than their competing colleges. With a whole team including a treasurer, food officer, entertainment officer, security team, music officer, and even a waste disposal officer to plan clean up, there are months of dedication on top of studying to ensure success.

Some May Balls plan dodgems, or fire-breathing dancers, massages, raves, sushi, tribute singers, waffle wands, carousels, and anything you can dream of.

Each May can be themed, too. With an abstract theme, there is plenty of room to twist it to your interpretation. For instance, King’s College in 2023 did ‘metamorphosis’, and in 2025: ‘checkmate’. Read here about how it’s akin to the Met Gala with the symbolism behind each year’s do.

But one thing is for sure: St John’s and Trinity will always give a spectacular fireworks display. And we have tickets to attend! That’s right. On our website, you can book to come punting at night to see the fireworks at the May Ball events from the river!

When are they?

Even though it is called The May week, it’s always in June lately. We understand how confusing that can be! Tickets are available for the St John’s fireworks on the 24th of June, 2025. There is an underlying rivalry between both colleges, based on which one has the most glamorous ball. The one with the most dazzling fireworks display is usually crowned the winner of the night. So you better mark your calendars and witness the magic!

May Balls punting

We love punting down the River Cam, but punting during the May Balls’ fireworks is an experience like no other. The tour feels spectacularly unique. Imagine floating along the Cam with fireworks glittering in the waters’ reflection.

For the team, it’s a welcome break from the standard tour delivered all year round.

Join Us for May Ball Week

We are offering either private or shared tours for the May Ball Fireworks. So, you can have the entire boat to yourselves with your loved ones, or you can share a tour with new people to meet. Book your tickets now with Let’s go punting through our website or contact us for more information on 01223 651 659.