“Expect the Unexpected”

By Ana Grabova

Published 01 July 2012
(July-August 2012 Edition)

So was the University of Essex Summer Ball described to Editor Anastasia Grabova when she was asked to attend A Twisted Tale, an end-of-uni ball with a difference.

Do you ever wish you could gently travel back to the halcyon days and carefree environs of university? The party marathon that is the University of Essex Summer Ball is now open to everyone - and that includes you!

In the past, headline acts (such as Chase & Status, Roll Deep and Pendulum), festival-style wonderland of entertainment, and the famous survivors’ photo (for those still standing at the bleary-eyed finishing hour of 7am) all were privileged experiences, exclusively for students and staff enrolled at the University of Essex.

This year is the first year that everyone is entitled to attend, so when myself and my finely-dressed bunch of mates (the dress code is dress to impress – and all the guests did!) were invited to sample the merriment of this glam annual event, we heartily agreed!

Boasting the likes of Lethal Bizzle, Hadouken, and Nick Grimshaw performing on the main stage, the Ball certainly serves up a treat for its students. On top of this, there are a multitude of fairground rides and attractions on site, from bumpy dodgems and ghoulish ghost trains, to hold-my-hand ice skating rink and a thrilling Twister ride that promises to fling you to dizzying heights.

"The party marathon that is the University of Essex Summer Ball is now open to everyone - and that includes you!"

To continue the fairytale theme, the Ball committee went all out – and then some! Ali Baba’s Cave served as the glittering setting for a shisha-pipe smoking den. Meanwhile a Happily Ever After Chapel allowed loved-up princes and princesses to tie the knot – albeit possibly after a vodka shot or two. Word on the street has it that a Hollywood prop company was used to provide some actual props from blockbusters Game of Thrones and Pirates of the Caribbean!

The Twisted Tale, as we lived it, was all whimsical fairy tale with a wickedly sinful slice of temptation thrown in. A pleasure dome that fulfils all the senses; great music, exciting rides, imaginatively decorated areas to explore, and some enticing cocktails too. As for the 7am survivors’ photo? Hundreds of revellers stayed up to be snapped at this glorious moment. A rapturous finale to an enchanting evening.

For details of next year’s summer ball check back on www.essexstudent.com around April 2013.

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18th May 2013

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“Expect the Unexpected”