This year the Union were kind enough to move the festivities away from the ever-so-slightly overused Oceana nightclub to the prestigious ranks of the O2 Guildhall; Southampton’s very own prestige gigging venue, which has played host to the likes of musical legends such as Bob Dylan in the past.
More than anything, though, it was an excuse for all us departing Southamptonians to get bolted into our finest suits and dresses and paint the town red all together one final time.
The house crew and myself dressed all swanky and ready for the night ahead!
To be fair, for the pretty steeply-priced cost of entry, there certainly was a great deal of stuff to get involved in. The entire Guildhall square was converted into a gigantic free-to-use fairground, complete with dodgems and a number of other classic rides (even one of those spinny ones that… spins). Of course, as usual, the majestic building itself was kitted out in flowing colours ready for our arrival.
Top of the bill of performers this year were the likes of DJ Fresh, Clean Bandit and Sub Focus, and even though the acts weren’t quite my thing, the night was driven on by far more than just the usual clubby vibes.
One of the many DJs from the night
Grad Ball is not just some other, slightly more expensive club night. It’s the only real time that everybody, no matter their academic discipline or social group, comes together to celebrate the fact that we all made it through a degree together.
Aside from a sincerely welcome free donut (thank you, Chris!), the best part of the whole thing was simply just running into so many familiar faces. In fact, it was practically impossible to turn around without seeing at least one person that I knew from some stage of my time here in Southampton - a weirdly comforting treat.
The Guildhall all lit up in purple and looking ultra pretty
To round off the night, the insanely chirpy, instrument-lead Massaoke took to the stage to help us sing our hearts out one final time with a spot of mass karaoke (see what they did there?), powering through the delights of Mr Brightside, Total Eclipse of the Heart and Bohemian Rhapsody. Feeling the crowd of collective graduates uniting over the power of music is I guess, what this whole thing was about. And you know what? It really was rather magical.
No matter your school or course, Class of 2013-16, it has been an absolute pleasure to learn, grow and party alongside you. Now let’s just all put our heads together and pray for some positive results!
Ben
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