Sidney May Ball 2024: ‘Eventide’

Sidney May Ball is back! And with this year's theme, Eventide, finally revealed, we caught up with our May Ball co-Presidents, Connor Hiza and Eliot Patient, to find out more. 

So, you have finally revealed the theme and tickets are on sale. How excited are you both? 

‘We are so excited! We have been planning the May Ball from the moment the June Event concluded last year!’ 

Tell us about that theme... 

‘“Eventide” is a celebration of day to night in the gardens of Sidney Sussex. It’s a word focused on the Victorian garden party era - think flowers, summer dresses, top hats, umbrellas, champagne and Pimms. Sidney May Balls have had a darker past, but the focus this year is on giving new light to Sidney with floral themes and pastel hues.’ 

‘We thought about the theme for a while. We were set on the general idea, however finding the word that would pull it all together took some thinking! It was a weekend in August, in Devon, on holiday. We went through a few hundred names until we came to “Eventide” - something about it stuck and resonated with us both!’

Presumably, along the way, there were a few themes you jettisoned. What was the craziest idea put forward? 

‘Turning the whole of College into a ball pit was one idea… A massive bonfire on the Master's lawn was another…’ 

Did you look back to any previous Sidney May Balls? If so, were there particular years that stood out? 

‘As we mentioned, Sidney May Balls have had quite dark themes, so it was time to change course!  

'We, of course, looked back to the 2012 Ball, when Hall Court was turned into the Cam… We also looked at the very first Sidney Balls - our theme, “Eventide”, seemed quite appropriate.’ 

You’ve mentioned that your aim is to create great memories. Would it be correct to say that an overall positive experience is more important to you than, say, securing a particular band? 

‘Absolutely. We are allowing up to three guest tickets per Sidney Member to really increase the feeling of community within our May Ball. We will have an Afternoon Tea in Hall to add to those memories, as well as plenty of photo opportunities, attractions and chilled spaces across the site.’ 

You’ve focused on providing affordable options. Why was that important to you? And how have you managed to make the Ball sustainable at that lower ticket price without compromising on quality? 

‘We felt that, as Presidents, our primary focus was to produce and deliver a (relatively) affordable May Ball to accommodate all members of Sidney. We are pleased to share that our ticket prices have increased by below the rate of inflation - they are only £4 more than the May Ball of 2022! This has been helped by the fact that we started planning in June for this event, securing headline acts early, as well as booking the larger-scale infrastructure needed to run the event. We have a great Committee too, who have helped ensure we stay on budget, while finding the best quality food, drink, music and attractions. The Committee has also made sacrifices, including not participating in a May Ball swap (a tradition by which Committee members get ‘free’ tickets to another Ball as a form of payment for their hard work). We are also grateful to the JCR who will provide half-price subsidised tickets to members who qualify for Class Act funding.’ 

I’m sure it’s great fun to organise something like this, but also a lot of work. What are you looking forward to most on the night itself? And how do you think it will feel seeing the plan come together? 

‘It is indeed great fun to organise an event of this scale. We are working alongside a great Committee, and the support we receive from College makes the role all the easier and more enjoyable. This is our last year at Sidney, so to have the opportunity to end our time here by delivering the May Ball is the greatest pleasure. Nothing quite describes the feeling after the conclusion of an event of this scale - sadness and happiness seem to battle with each other as it truly is a project of love at the end of the day. A lot of time is spent on planning - being President is essentially a part-time job while studying a full-time degree - so we naturally become very emotional and protective of the event! We really do hope everyone enjoys the event and can't wait to welcome everyone to Sidney!’ 

May Ball tickets are now on general release.