Trinity Ball's insurance increases

The Trinity Ball, one of the highlights of the Dublin social calendar, almost fell victim to rising insurance costs this year.

The organisers are paying 100 per cent increase in their insurance bill so that students can still go to the ball on Friday, May 9th. Mr Joe O'Gorman, one of the ball's treasurers, said the organisers were worried that it might not go ahead, but their very good safety record stood to them.

The increase in insurance costs has led to a €7 increase in ticket price, to €64. However, interest in the event has not waned, with 3,200 tickets already sold. Ticket numbers have been increased to 5,800 this year, to cater for the extra demand.

The line-up at the ball, which is being billed as "the biggest private party in Europe" includes Death in Vegas, Alabama 3, Aslan, Mundy and Bellefire. Acts also include DJ Dexter (The Avalanches), Carleen Anderson, Kerri Chandler, Tom Jones Experience, Berkeley and Arveene.

Mr O'Gorman said the organisers were hoping to repeat the "wow" factor of last year's event. One thing they won't be repeating is the use of sniffer dogs to keep out non-ticket holders. "The day of the hound of the Baskervilles is gone," he said. Tickets, which can also be bought online, are only available to Trinity College students and graduates.