HAVING saved up their pennies dutifully for three years, the students of Trinity College have announced they are ready to party again. Up to 5,000 students, staff and hangers on are expected to attend next month's Trinity Ball, which the organisers promise will be the "biggest and brightest" ever.
In 1995, the exam obsessed students declared that they just couldn't be bothered having fun. Lack of interest forced the cancellation of the ball, for over 50 years one of Dublin's social highlights. Plans for its revival last year fell foul of a strike by administrative staff in the college.
At the third time of asking, the organisers are taking no chances.
Corporate sponsors have been lined up and an elaborate public relations campaign is planned. Mr Gar Noonan, entertainments officer with the college students' union, says student interest this time is "unprecedented".
Tickets for the ball on May 9th go on sale in the college next Monday. This time the romantic double ticket has been dropped in favour of single tickets costing £35 each, but the tradition of formal dress will be strictly enforced, says Mr Noonan.
"We want to keep the tradition of half a century. After all, this isn't just a run of the mill Friday night event."
Bands already booked include The Specials, Chumbawumba,
The Frank and Walters, David Grey, Kila and The Frames. Dance music DJs David Holmes and Billy Nasty are also on the bill. Mr Noonan promises there will also be a Strauss orchestra and a bossa nova band.
The budget for the eight hour event will be over £100,000.
