So far as Trinity students and graduates are concerned Dublin’s annual all-night, black-tie shindig is one of the capital’s major social occasions. Each April, past and present pupils return to their alma-mater and carouse big-style under the watchful eye of the imposing George Salmon statue.
With doors not opening until 10pm, a lively atmosphere is guaranteed as thousands of well–heeled scholars set aside their exam anxiety and kick-back until Saturday sun-up.
This year’s event is a record-breaking sell-out. The line-up may have been relatively lightweight, following the unfortunate late withdrawal of both Marina & The Diamonds and Labrinth, but – a few long faces notwithstanding – the punters didn’t seem to mind as a range of artists entertained the masses across five stages.
Needless to say, the Trinity Ball is more social occasion than music event. In the context, the paltry choice of food (we’ve got fast-food, fast-food or fast-food) plus the distinct lack of choice at the bar wass a major disappointment. Punters shelling out €80 are entitled to rather more... Anyway, rant over!
In some ways, the early performers are a distraction for the boisterous hordes. But they did their stuff all the same. The entertaining Trinity Orchestra got proceedings underway beneath the cobbled campanile with a mix of classics and contemporary re-workings. However, it was left to southside darlings and last-minute additions The Coronas to get the party truly started. Danny & Co. certainly produced the goods, drawing a sizeable crowd – more ladies than gents – to the Main Stage area.
The mixture of inebriation, alcohol-induced illness, high-spirits and mucky underfoot conditions made for an interesting visual spectacle as expensive frocks and sharp suits soon become sullied.
Also on the Main Stage, rapper Professor Green’s punchy set got the crowd dancing: he proved to be one of the night’s major success stories. Mind you, it wouldn’t have taken much to get this party started at 2.30am!
Meanwhile over on the Pop Stage, British hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks went down a storm. Their irrepressible rhymes and polished stage performance had the place shaking, especially for show-stopping hit single ‘Mama Do The Hump’.
Underrated Belfast indie rockers Cashier No. 9, fresh from their Academy 2 show, took a bow outdoors shortly after 3am. The boys put on a brilliant show featuring numerous cuts from the Choice-nominated To The Death Of Fun. Alas, the subtleties of their music were somewhat lost at this ungodly hour.
Later, Fake Blood’s banging electroclash left the crowd begging for more, bringing festivities in the dance arena to a close just after 4.30am.
Soon the bedraggled hordes were making for the exit, a little worse for wear, but by-and-large in fine spirits.
A good night was had by all, but this was far from a vintage year’s entertainment.