on the night
Do I have to be in by a certain time?
The doors open at 9pm, and to make sure you have the maximum amount of time to play, we’ve introduced an “everybody in by 11pm” rule. So make sure you’re in before then.
How much money should I bring with me?
We can't advise how much money to bring with you to the Summer Ball - that's up to you. However, we've got a cash back service so you won’t have to worry about running out of money halfway through the night!
How does the new cashless bar work?
This year you will need to buy Ball tokens in order to buy drinks. Just like at festivals you can buy your tokens on arrival and throughout the night from the "Ball Bank" token station. They will be redeemable at all the bars to buy drinks, at the casino for chips, in the cloakroom and for breakfast. You will still need money for food, headphone disco deposit and photos.
When can I buy tokens?
There will be ticket sellers in the queue as you arrive at Summer Ball and once you enter there will be a "Ball Bank" located just after the entrance where you can purchase tokens as you need them throughout the night. You can pay by cash or card and can also get cashback.
Tokens come in denominations of £1.25 and £2.50. There's also various deal on buying vouchers so you can club together with your friends and take advantage:
Buy £20 get £5 free
Buy £50 get £12.50 free
Buy £100 get £30 free
Can I refund my tokens if I don't use them all?
Tokens are non-refundable and have no value after 6am on Sunday 12th June 2011. You can purchase tokens throughout the night and club together with friends to get a good deal too.
Why have you introduced this new token system?
The main reason for using this new system is to make things quicker and safer. You won't need to carry as much cash around with you. It is also safer for our staff and reduces insurance. The bar service will be quicker and drink prices will be more in line with usual venue prices.
Is the fairground free?
The cost of your ticket covers the vast majority of attractions on the site, including the fairground rides which means you can jump on them as often as you want!
How do I make sure that I don't lose my friends?
Make a meeting point at the event so you will be able to find your friends easily if you lose them in the festivities. It's pretty difficult to get through to friends on their mobile when they're partying in one of the big top arenas - by having a meeting point you know where to find each other if you get separated - texts are often the best way to get in touch at the Ball.
Do you search people on the way into the ball?
We reserve the right to operate a random search policy in order to prevent alcohol and other items entering the Summer Ball.
Is transport provided for those students coming from Southend and Loughton Campus? Coaches will be available for students based at Southend and Loughton. Just make sure that when you purchase your Ball ticket that you also collect a travel ticket – this is free of charge. Keep checking the website for more information about the time the coach will be departing from Southend and Loughton and leaving Colchester after the event. If you have any specific travel requirements due to disabilities then please contact the info line on 01206 863211.
Is there car parking available on the night?
The Sports Centre Car Park will be open on the night of the Ball.
Can I leave the Ball and come back later?
There is no re-admission and you must be in by 11pm.
How do I get home?
Taxis will be available throughout the night.
TICKETS
Where can I buy tickets?
All tickets are available from the Students’ Union Reception on Square 3 and essexstudent.com.
How many tickets can I buy?
With an Essex University student card you can buy a ticket for yourself and one guest. If you wish to buy tickets on behalf of other Essex students you must bring their student cards with you when you buy the ticket - you will only be able to buy one ticket on each extra student card you bring.
Students from other Universities and colleges can not buy tickets with their student card, although they can be the guest of a Essex student.
Do I need a physical ticket?
YES. ALL ticket purchasers must pick up their physical ticket the Students’ Union reception before the event. No one will be granted access to the event without their physical ticket and student card. The SU reception will be open until 5pm on Friday 11th June, the day before the Summer Ball. Lost tickets cannot be replaced or refunded so please keep them safe.
Can people who aren't students attend?
Yes. Guests do not have to be students. Please be aware that the Summer Ball is only for people over the age of 18.
Is there a good turn out of non-final students and staff at the Summer Ball?
The Summer Ball attracts students from every walk of life - the diversity of the attractions and acts means that there is something for everyone at the Summer Ball. Mature and postgraduate students are well represented at the event, and all years are welcome, whether they’re Freshers or otherwise!
Is food included in the ticket price?
No, however there are a number of festival style food outlets at the Summer Ball serving a range of food including chips, burgers, Chinese, pizza etc. but we advise you to eat a good, healthy meal before you set off from home.
I have lost my ticket. What do I do next?
There are no refunds available. Lost tickets cannot be replaced and will need to be re-purchased.
DRESS CODE
Is it strictly black tie?
We ask that everyone makes a real effort at the event. That doesn't necessarily mean tuxedo and bow tie (although most of the guys wear a tux) and we will accept suits and ties. Moss Bros are the official suit supplier at this year's event and will be in the Union during Term 3; from the 6th - 10th June.
Is it more ball dress style for girls or cocktail dress style?
Cocktail dresses or ball dress are both popular at the Ball, however the dress code is not intended to be set in stone for girls.
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes. There’s even a shoe cloakroom at this year’s event – so you can bring a pair of comfy shoes for later in the night!
Should I bring something warm for later in the evening?
We recommend that you bring something to wrap up in - it can get chilly at 2am outside of the arenas, even in summer! You can always put it in the cloakroom early in the evening and pick it up later on.