Music, churros, dodgems, and even a shisha tent! All of this and more could be found at the first Jesus-Exeter Ball, held on 25 April 2026.
The ball was first confirmed in September 2025, following the discontinuation of the Somerville-Jesus ball. Following discussions between the then-JCR president of Jesus College, Samuel Owen, the DACC (Director of Accommodation, Catering and Conferences), and Exeter College, the decision was made to announce a new Jesus-Exeter Ball, with the inaugural ball scheduled to take place in Trinity Term 2026. The theme, ‘A Journey to Middle Earth’ was confirmed at the ball’s launch party, which took place on 25 November 2025.
A key reason for the ball’s popularity was its affordability, in comparison to other Oxford balls. Tickets for Jesus and Exeter students were released on 30 January at 12pm and were priced at £125. On the same day, alumni could buy tickets for £145, with an additional pre-reception option available. Finally, general tickets were released on 6 February at 12pm, again for £145.
The preparation and logistics which went on behind the scenes was immense, organised by a ball committee composed of members from both colleges. The ball president from Exeter College, Maisie Young, and the vice-president from Jesus College, David Ingham, oversaw a team of committee members, with a Treasurer and Secretary, and representatives for Site Design, Food and Marketing, Drinks, Music, Entz, and Welfare. There were also designated ‘Welfairies’, who were paid for their time as points of contact for any welfare needs during the night. A major perk of being a part of the ball committee was the promise of free admission to both the 2026 and 2027 balls.
The idea of the ball taking place between Jesus and Exeter relied on Oxford City Council permitting the closure of Turl Street for the night, so that only ball ticket holders could cross the street from one college to another. Fortunately, the council did approve this decision, as was confirmed on the ball’s Instagram account on 17 February.
There was certainly no shortage of entertainment on the night. In line with the ball’s theme (‘A Journey to Middle Earth’) Gondor’s Grotto on the Jesus side hosted a range of live music performances across the course of the night, including an ABBA tribute. The Cheng Digital Hub was transformed into Gollum’s Cave, which saw a number of DJ sets, including one from Ardi, a first-year student from Jesus itself. On the Exeter side, the swing boats in Farngorn’s Forest (the Fellows Garden) were a highlight for many, and the dodgems in Exeter’s Front Quad provoked childish joy aplenty.
Food and drink, as with any ball, played an important role at Jesus-Exeter, from bao buns and churros at Jesus College, to gyoza and crepes at Exeter. One was spoilt for choice when it came to drinks, and perhaps the most difficult choice of the night was whether to opt for a ‘Mordorgarita’ at the Montzi Bar or a ‘Flame of Anor’ at the Batch Bar.
Being one of the first balls of Trinity term, the Jesus-Exeter ball has been celebrated as a great success. It has set a high standard for the other balls to come, including the Trinity College Commemoration Ball on 26 June 2026, and the Magdalen College Commemoration Ball on 27 June 2026.