College May balls take place during May Week in mid-June. They are usually large, formal events with live music and fireworks, and can last through the night.
Some colleges hold ‘June events’ instead of May balls or alternate between the two. These are typically shorter, smaller-scale events.
- This year, the balls will take place between Friday 19 and Friday 26 June.
- If you are attending a ball, check our guidance about staying safe at events.
May Week originally took place in May, before year-end exams began. Nowadays it takes place after they have finished, but the name has stuck.
Report noise from May balls
We actively monitor noise levels during each ball with the colleges and their consultants.
If you are disturbed by noise from a ball, try to contact the college in the first instance. Each college provides a complaints phone line during their ball for this purpose.
If the college cannot resolve your complaint, phone us to report it on 01223 457000 or 0300 303 8389. Our duty officer will respond to you as soon as they can.
If you do not want to speak to an officer or do not require a visit to your property during the ball, please report the noise to us using our nuisance complaints form.
Read about resolving or reporting a noise issue for more information.
May ball handbook
The organisation of a May ball or similar college event can be complex and time consuming, so we provide a handbook as a code of practice for event organisers.
The practical advice it offers will help you make your event a success, keeping it safe for those attending while preventing any unreasonable disturbance to local residents.
The handbook sets out what you need to do when to conform with your legal requirements. Some of these requirements will be conditions attached to your premises licence, including deadlines for submitting documentation about your event.
The advice and guidance applies to any similar college event.
