Blog: Getting The Balls Rolling

Spring Term plays host to a number of exciting events when it comes to sports clubs and societies, from ratifications, to Varsity and student group elections. Societies Ball (Saturday 9 March) and Colours Ball (Saturday 23 March) are undoubtedly two of the biggest events, not only of second term, but of the whole year!

Your VP Societies & Media Holly Hughes and I, have experienced these events first hand as students, and we’ve seen the things that can be improved. For this reason, we decided to dive headfirst into reviewing these events, to analyse their core purpose with the aim of creating two high quality, inclusive and exciting events, which will hopefully engage students and show them that we really do care about making the student experience better!

As always, student feedback has been at the centre of this.

One of the main concerns we’ve heard from groups, is the worry that not everyone feels recognised, included and represented on the nights. We’ve taken measures to address this so that regardless of club, society, and size of group, there is an equal opportunity for all to win a prize!

Holly picking up her Crest award at last year's Socs Ball

How will the Balls have equal opportunity to win?

Firstly, we’ve introduced a brand new award! The Spotlight Award aims to recognise peer to peer support and camaraderie. This award will be completely decided upon by the clubs/societies for their respective award nights. Groups will nominate other student groups to form a longlist, from which a shortlist will be selected by the nominations panel. Following this, the shortlist will be sent back out to student groups for you to vote for the winner, and two runners up! We’ve also adjusted some of the original awards to now include a Bronze, Silver and Gold placing, so that we can recognise even more of you for the fantastic work you do over the course of the year.

Alongside this, we’ve worked to make the event much more of a spectacle and add some personal touches for award winners. One example of this will be groups being able to put forward a song request in their nomination, which will be played when they collect their prize, if they win, of course. To make sure you’re fully recognised and appreciated, you will receive your award on stage and in front of your peers so they can celebrate alongside you! Largescale award winners, such as Club and Society of the Year will also be invited to make a small speech on the night (if they so wish).

One Ball fits all!

These events are a fantastic opportunity to be inclusive and have a variety of different people in one room to celebrate a cohesive year. For this reason, we’ve ensured that what we offer throughout each night fits this aim. Throughout the menu tasting, we’ve kept dietary requirements at the forefront of decision making, alongside tastiness of course, and we can assure you there are delicious dishes for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs alike! We’ve also been liaising with De Vere Beaumont Hotel to try and provide a separate area that is completely alcohol free! Moreover, we will be looking at floor plans and AV requirements to ensure those with disabilities can also enjoy their evening hassle free!

Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate another fantastic year.

More improvements?

Yes! For those of you who experienced the dreaded bus hassle last year, we’ve reviewed and re-evaluated the transport processes to ensure you are transported to and from the event in a safe, comfortable and timely manner! We have also ensured that we have a back-up waiting area, should we face the dreaded ice and snow again!

Nominations are now live with tickets on sale for both events. They go quick, so get them fast!