Colleges and Common Rooms

The Winter Ball Committee warmly invites you to this year’s Winter Ball - a sparkling celebration marking the end of the Michaelmas Term. Whether this is your first year or you’re returning as an alumnus, this year’s theme honours every Southie as the shining stars you are, whilst also celebrating all your wonderful achievements in 2025.

✨ The Evening
Our starlit celebration begins with pre-drinks in The Nest, featuring an exclusive cocktail available to purchase for one night only. Guests will then be transported to the stunning Hardwick Hall Hotel, where you’ll be greeted with a glass of fizz before an unforgettable evening of dining and entertainment unfolds.

We are delighted to announce that this year’s dining guests will witness history being made with an exclusive performance from the Durham Ballet Company, followed by a sumptuous three-course gala meal, outlined below.

🌠 Menu

⭐ To Start

• Slow-Cooked Ham Hock & Apricot Terrine - parsley-infused piccalilli, pea purée & roasted sourdough (GFO, DFO)
• Spiced Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup - served with chive oil and a bread roll (V, VE, GFO)

⭐ Main Course

• Slow-Roasted Beef - Yorkshire pudding, rich pan jus (GFO)
• Cranberry & Vegetable Wellington(V, VE, GFO*)

Served with:
Potato Gratin, Braised Red Cabbage, Roast Carrot, Honey-Roasted Parsnip & Roasted Sprouts(V, VE.O, GFO, DFO)

* A GF&VE option is available on request; this may differ, so please contactsouth.jcrballchair@durham.ac.ukif this applies to you.

⭐ To Finish

• Spiced Winter Berry Crumble - served with vanilla anglaise
• Dark Chocolate & Cherry Cheesecake(GF, DF, VE)

💫 Dining Tickets

• JCR Members: £62
• Non-JCR Guests: £78

Please note that dining tickets are limited - set your notifications to avoid missing out on making South College history!

✨ Entertainment
The committee has gone all out to make this a night to remember, beginning with a spectacular firework display. Enjoy a wide range of entertainment throughout the evening, including:

• 9-Hole Indoor Mini Golf
• Poker and Blackjack tables with professional croupiers
• Air Hockey
• Live music throughout the night from three incredible bands, followed by DJ Niela Saether, followed by DJ Alex Doherty (fresh from playing in Ibiza!)
• Photobooths and photographers to capture your unforgettable memories

🎶 Entertainment Tickets

• JCR Members: £42
• Non-JCR Guests: £55

🍷 Optional Add-On: Wine
Enhance your evening by adding a bottle of house wine to your ticket for £14.
Wine will be available for collection from 6:00 pm on 4th November.
Please note: the price will increase to £20 on the night, so purchase early to save.

🎟️ Ticket Release Information
Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, 4th November.

• Finalists & Alumni Release: 10:00 am
• General Release: 6:00 pm

Ticket sales will close at midnight on Thursday, 7th November.

💰 Ticket Funding

The Equal Opportunities Fund is a £150 grant available to ten South College students each year. This fund provides a helping hand toward purchasing your Winter Ball ticket or supporting other enriching experiences during your time at South.

I am also pleased to announce that the JCR has limited additional funding available to support those experiencing financial difficulties, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to attend and enjoy this special event. A form will be released on Monday, the 3^rd of November, for students wishing to apply.