Emmanuel May Ball returns on Sunday 21 June 2026 with a theme that leans into pure glamour: Putting on the Ritz. Think art deco, golden-era elegance, and the kind of evening that makes you feel like you have stepped into a 1930s ballroom. Here is what we know.
Date, Tickets, and Dress Code
Tickets start from £210 and are available through tickets.emmamayball.co.uk. The dress code is Black Tie, which is the standard for most Cambridge balls — dinner jacket and bow tie for men, evening dress for women.
With a capacity of around 1,200 guests, Emma is a large ball but not the largest. It strikes a good balance between feeling like a major event and not being so big that you spend half the night in queues. The committee has a reputation for running a tight ship.
The Theme: Art Deco Glamour
"Putting on the Ritz" sets a clear tone — expect gold accents, geometric patterns, champagne towers, and a visual identity that draws from the roaring twenties. Art deco themes tend to translate beautifully into decor, and Emma's gardens provide a stunning backdrop for it. The front court, the paddock, and the famous duck pond will all be transformed to fit the aesthetic.
The Grounds
Emmanuel's gardens are genuinely one of its strongest assets. The college has an extensive paddock area that gives the committee room for multiple stages, food vendors, and entertainment zones without everything feeling cramped. The duck pond is a Cambridge institution in its own right, and past balls have made creative use of the space around it. If the weather holds, it is a wonderful setting for a summer evening.
Entertainment Rumours
Previous Emmanuel balls have had impressive entertainment lineups, and this year looks set to continue that trend. The committee typically announces headline acts closer to the event.
Workers Form
If the ticket price is a stretch, it is worth knowing that Emmanuel runs a workers scheme. You work a shift during the ball — usually a few hours on a food stall, bar, or logistics — and get to enjoy the rest of the evening for free or at a steep discount. It is a well-established route in, and the committee typically opens applications a few weeks before the event.
Ticketing and More Info
Emmanuel runs its ticketing through MayBall.com, so you get a fair queuing system at release, Apple Wallet passes, and access to the marketplace for transfers. Check out the Emmanuel directory page for the latest updates, and sign up for release alerts so you do not miss out.