On Saturday 3rd July 2021 Durham Castle will open its doors to welcome you to Castle Charity Ball: The Crystal Ball
~ Durham's Biggest Postgraduate Ball ~
Guests who peer into the crystal ball will be greeted to a fantastical evening of feasting and enchanting entertainment in this magical UNESCO World Heritage site.
Previous charity balls have featured lavish three-course banquets, large musical acts, silent discos, casinos, magicians, crazy golf, live action roleplaying, nerf wars, ceilidhs, and a range of photo opportunities and other acts.
Castle MCR have raised over £8000 at our two previous charity balls: Mythos (2020) and Camelot (2019). This year our chosen charities are Durham Foodbank, ARCH North East and Castle Community Action.
We are proud that we will be donating 100% of the ball profits between these three charitable causes equally†. We are also fundraising by encouraging attendees and others to donate to top up our total donation amount.
†80% of the direct profit made from this year’s MCR charity ball will be donated to the chosen charities. In compliance with the MCR’s standing orders, 20% of the direct profit made from this year’s MCR charity ball will be added to the ‘future MCR charity ball insurance fund. However, the MCR will match this value (providing it does not exceed 25% of the ball’s operating expenses) and donate it to the chosen charities so the total amount donated will be equivalent to 100% of profits going to the charities. The donated amount from the MCR will be sourced from unused committee budgets from May 2020 - May 2021. If you would like a more in-depth description please contact the Castle MCR Treasurer at . You can find a copy of our standing orders here: https://www.castlemcr.co.uk/documents.
TICKET APPLICATION INFORMATION
Ticket applications have now closed for this year's Castle Charity Ball.
We have received an overwhelming number of ticket applications this year, with over 1000 people applying! We are now doing our best to sort through applications quickly yet thoroughly.
We have completed Round 1 of payments for allocated tickets. If you were unsuccessful in being allocated an ents/dining ticket, please keep an eye on your emails as you will be on our reserve list and may be allocated a ticket in Round 2 of payments.
Below is the information about applications and payment.
Ticket prices are as follows:
A dining ticket shall include†:
~ Complimentary alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink at a welcome reception.
~ Four-course meal in the Durham Castle Great Hall.
~ Access to a range of entertainment and live acts from arrival time to finish
across the Castle.
An ents (entertainment only) ticket shall include†:
~ Complimentary alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink at a welcome reception.
~ Access to a range of entertainment and live acts from arrival time to finish
across the Castle.
† Subject to change as the event format is dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
Following payment:
Once we have received confirmation of payment from Event Durham, your ticket will be secured.
You will also be sent a form to confirm table groups/plans.
Important COVID information:
The MCR Ball Committee is closely monitoring the changing Covid-19 restrictions at both national and University level and have procedures set out for all potential restriction changes. We remain optimistic about holding the Ball to its fullest potential, following the June 21st restriction changes. We will be in close contact with ticket holders to inform them if there are changes to the event format.
Lateral Flow Tests:
Public safety is our main priority and at Durham, we are operating a Lateral Flow Test to Participate scheme whereby our students test regularly in order to access many face-to-face components of our Wider Student Experience. Student entry to The Castle Charity Ball will be subject to a negative Lateral Flow Test result 2 days in advance of the event. To help us protect each other and the wider community we ask that all of our guests also take a Lateral Flow Test, obtaining a negative result in advance of attendance at the event. If your Lateral Flow Test is positive you will be unable to attend. While Durham University has access to Lateral Flow Tests, the contract for access to these tests is restricted to Durham University staff and students only. Durham will not, therefore, be in a position to offer guests (outside the aforementioned groups) access to the testing sites on campus. You will, consequently, need to obtain access to a test through the normal NHS channels and existing community testing networks wherever possible.
Refund policy:
If you test positive for COVID via PCR Test or Lateral Flow Test (LFT) 2 days (48 hours) in advance of the event, you will not be able to attend the event. In this case, a ticket refund of 50% will be made after we have verified your proof of a positive COVID test, unless we/you are able to find a replacement and do a ticket swap.
(50% of the ticket price will be retained as not to affect our total charitable donation).
If you are no longer able to attend the event for any other reason after paying for your ticket, we cannot offer you a refund and you will still be charged for your ticket unless you find a replacement.
In the unfortunate event that we are forced to cancel the evening due to COVID-19 or if the 21st June restrictions are not lifted, the ball will be postponed. Ticket holders will still be able to keep their place following payment but a full refund will be provided to any ticket-holders who can no longer attend the new date.
F A Q's
What is the dress-code?
Black tie. This could include red-carpet style dresses and black dinner suite with bow-tie. Think more formal than what you would wear to a party but less formal than white tie. Black academic owns are not to be worn.
What time does dining start?
Dining guests are due to arrive at 6pm (subject to change) where they will be greeted with a drinks reception and live entertainment. Dining guests will be encouraged to enter the Great Hall at 6:4 and dinner will start sharply at 7pm in the Great Hall.
What time does ents start?
Ents guests are due to arrive at 8pm (subject to change) where they will be greeted with a drinks reception and live entertainment.
I have paid for my guest spot but they can no longer attend, what shall I do?
I'm a student, am I able to get a NHS LFT instead of a Durham University one?
This should be absolutely fine as long as: 1) It has been taken within 48 hours of the start of the event. 2) It has been recorded on the NHS website: and you have an email with proof of test.
If you or your guest(s) are no longer able to attend the event for any other reason than positive COVID test after paying for your ticket, we cannot offer you a refund. However, you will be able to sell and transfer your ticket. Please fill in our ticket transfer form so we know exactly who to expect on this day. This is crucial for LFT checks on the door.
If you have any questions on the ticketing process or the event, please email: ballchair.castlemcr@durham.ac.uk
Follow our social media platforms to keep up to date with our plans and announcements:
The Crystal Ball 2021 (@castlecharityball) • Instagram photos and videos