University challenge

Those who’ve never been, the annual Trinity Ball is thought of as a somewhat glamorous affair. Bright young things, parading through the college’s floodlit courtyard in huge gowns and smart tuxedos like a scene from a Hollywood red carpet... However, the reality for this first timer was altogether different. Suitably dolled up, hotpress makes its way into the campus only to be greeted by a portable hot dog van and what appears to be a giant inflatable alien adorning the front steps of one of the surrounding buildings.
We head straight for the main stage, past the rows of portaloos, where Dublin’s funk-rock finest Republic Of Loose are giving it socks. They’ve been bumped up the bill following the cancellation of one Dizzee Rascal and seem to have won over the crowd gathered towards the front of the tent. Unfortunately, the bright lighting ensures that the atmosphere is considerably low, and the fact that there are more people vying for the barmen’s attention at the back of the tent than paying attention to the band means that they’ve got their work cut out for them.
With the Rascal scratched from our meticulously planned schedule, we go in search of Dublin turntablist extraordinaire DJ Flip. However, none of the tents are signposted and, having wandered aimlessly for 20 minutes, hotpress only manages to catch his last two songs. Back at the main stage, The Rapture have amassed a considerable legion of sing-along devotees. ‘House Of Jealous Lovers’, ‘Heaven’ and the gorgeous ‘Open Up Your Heart’ go down with particular aplomb, but as with ROL, the lack of vibe is a major detractor, and you get the impression that they’re just going through the motions.
Buck 65’s set at the considerably smaller Other Stage is a much more enjoyable one. Belting out a selection of tunes from his recent Squares album, the hip hop meister’s animated onstage presence and tongue twisting lyrical dexterity really get the crowd going – something most of tonight’s performances have thus far lacked. It must be noted, however, that this is less to do with the acts themselves and more to do with the fact that most of the people here don’t seem to be interested in the music.
We head towards the main stage for the Divine Comedy’s 2AM headline slot (The Charlatans cancelled). The tent is just over half full, with Neil Hannon and co indulging in an uptempo party set with a selection of their most singable pop anthems, such as ‘National Express’ and ‘Something For The Weekend’ – the latter of which strikes a particular chord with the crowd. As hotpress makes its way out, the aforementioned hedonism is visibly taking its toll. In true student style, blobs of netting are identified on closer inspection as girls on their knees, puking, while a keen eye can also make out the odd couple getting it on in the bushes. Illusions shattered, hotpress concludes that the Trinity ball is little more than a piss up in a ball gown. Disappointing, to say the least.