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St Catharine's May Ball 2026: Catzcabana

By Souradip Mookerjee · 5 April 2026

St Catharine's College May Ball is back for 2026 with the theme Catzcabana. The ball takes place on Wednesday 25 June, with tickets starting from £177. Here's what you need to know.

The basics

Catz May Ball is a biennial event, alternating with Corpus Christi and Queens'. This year it returns to its central location on King's Parade — one of the best positions in Cambridge for a ball, right in the heart of the city.

  • Date: Wednesday 25 June 2026
  • Theme: Catzcabana
  • Dress code: Black Tie
  • Tickets: From £177

The theme

Catzcabana suggests a tropical, vibrant atmosphere — think warm colours, lush decor, and a party feel. Catz has a reputation for creative theming that transforms the college's compact but beautiful grounds into something immersive. Previous years have seen the committee make excellent use of the main court and surrounding spaces.

What to expect

Catz May Ball has a reputation for atmosphere. The college's location and layout lend themselves to an immersive experience, and the committee typically puts together a strong entertainment lineup and good food and drink options.

At £177, it offers strong value — a well-produced ball in one of Cambridge's best locations.

Tickets

Tickets are available through tickets.catzmayball.co.uk, powered by MayBall.com. That means a fair queuing system at release, Apple Wallet passes, and access to the marketplace for transfers if plans change.

Workers applications are also open — check the Catz May Ball website for details.

Check the Catz directory page for the latest updates, or sign up for ticket alerts so you don't miss the release.

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