Tailcoats, bow ties, floor-length gowns, and silk gloves. These were everywhere one looked when entering the Deer Park, the Peterhouse gardens encircling the Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street. Last Friday saw Peterhouse open its doors to partygoers for another May Ball season, organised biennially with an optional, but preferred, white tie dress code.
Peterhouse is one of only two colleges that enforce this dress code, the other being Magdalene. This May Ball tradition began at Peterhouse in 1892 – when the ball replaced the traditional termly concert – marking a significant shift in the College’s social calendar. , a publication from Cambridge, described the preparations for this inaugural event, highlighting the College’s commitment to creating a memorable experience.
A key feature mentioned was the decision to illuminate the gardens with electric light, a relatively novel and technologically advanced choice for the time. As the oldest college in Cambridge, Peterhouse is renowned for its rich history and commitment to long-standing traditions. It is not surprising, then, that the May Ball dress code aligns with the College’s historical penchant for tradition and prestige.
“For many, the opportunity to experience the grandeur and tradition of the Peterhouse May Ball justifies the expenditure” For those attending the Peterhouse May Ball and looking to adhere to the white tie dress code, the option to hire full white tie suits offered a practical solution..
