Take 5,700 students, put them in evening wear and set them loose around the grounds of Trinity College, add plenty of musical entertainment on four different stage areas, and you have the makings of one big summer party.
Last night the party animals were out in force for the Trinity Ball 2000, the annual all-nighter which gives the students a chance to dress up and let their hair down.
The college courtyard was bedecked with big, inflatable blades of grass and inflatable flowers, giving a Bug's Life effect. Macnas-style figures danced on the cobblestones to the sounds of A Night In Havana Orchestra, while young ladies in evening dresses and high heels stumbled along, aided by their monkey-suited escorts. Some smart punters wore trainers under their ballgowns, in anticipation of a long night on their feet. Others went for more casual attire, while the more imaginative sported fancy dress.
Hugh Ross (25), an alumnus of Trinity and the son of Senator Shane Ross, professed this the best ball he's ever attended. "The fun is in wandering around and meeting all your friends," he said. "The music isn't the main thing, it's the whole atmosphere."
Mark Connaughton (18), Hugh Turpin (19) and Aoileann Ni Riain (19) were at the ball for the first time, and were determined to have a good time. "It's not just about getting drunk or doing drugs," Mr Connaughton said. "It's about seeing all your friends getting dressed up and having a good time."
The good time was provided by Irish and international acts, including Elastica, Tindersticks, The Wannadies, Muse and JJ72.
The ball continued until long after Cinderella's bedtime, and exhausted students filed out at dawn in search of bed, breakfast or an early house.
