What’s happening?

Summer ball … on a boat! We’re celebrating the end of the year and saying farewell to those graduating with an evening on the Thames. We’ve booked the MV Pearl of London exclusively for us and put down a mighty bar tab.

When is the ball?

Sunday 26 June – just before week ten starts. We’re really sorry if you can’t make it but there’s no perfect time for 1,100 students. We’ll set sail just before 8pm and return to the pier around midnight.

When do I need to be there?

You can arrive from 7:30pm. We’ll be setting sail just before 8pm and anyone not on board will be left behind. We’ll get back to the pier around midnight.

What does ‘dress to impress’ mean?

Everyone loves a chance to dress up for a cruise. Saying that, we’re not expecting a dinner jacket or ball gown (though we’d love to see them). We don’t really want to see ripped jeans, but we’ll leave it up to you to decide what you feel most comfortable wearing to have a great night.

Who can come?

You don’t need to be graduating this year. The ball is open to all current Central students – undergraduate and postgraduate – and their invited guests.

If you were on MA acting or MA music theatre and are waiting to graduate in December 2022, you should select the ‘MA acting or MT graduand’ option when buying your ticket.

Will I need to bring ID?

Yes, you’ll need proof of age such as a driving licence or passport at the door. We can’t help you if you don’t have your ID on the night.

How do I find the boat?

We’ll be setting sail from Westminster Pier opposite the Houses of Parliament. The address is:

Westminster Pier
Victoria Embankment
Westminster
London  SW1A 2JH

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Get me there with Citymapper

How do I get home afterwards?

We recommend downloading the free Citymapper app to help you plan your way around London. Last trains are usually just after midnight, but many bus services run 24 hours a day. Westminster pier is opposite Westminster tube station on the Circle, District and Jubilee lines.

Try not to travel alone late at night and speak to an officer if you need help or find yourself on your own.

Uber, Bolt and Free Now are examples of minicab booking apps. They are often much cheaper than black cabs, especially if you split the fare with friends.

What if I need help?

We’ll have officers available all night. They’re happy to help if anything goes wrong. The bar staff and trained security are all there to make sure you have a good night. In an emergency, dial 999.

Do I need a ticket?

Yes, tickets are essential. The boat has a strict capacity for the number of people it can host safely and we can’t break this limit.

Can I get a ticket for my friend?

Yes, Central students can invite friends. Just select ‘guest ticket’ when buying.

Are there tickets on the door?

No, you need to buy a ticket in advance. We have to provide the captain with a guest list.

Am I guaranteed entry?

Yes, your ticket gives you entry as long as you stick to the rules. You’ll be turned away if you try to bring drugs onboard or you’re acting in a dangerous way. Any ‘smuggled’ drinks found will be confiscated.

How will I know you’ve got my order?

Once you have placed your order successfully we will take you to a page confirming that we’ve got your order and you’re ‘on the list’. PayPal will also send you a confirmation email with your unique transaction ID.

If you don’t see this page or receive an email, contact us.

Can I give my ticket to someone else?

No, you can’t transfer your ticket to someone else. If you don’t want it, you’ll need to contact us.

Do you offer refunds?

It’s not usually possible to offer a refund except in extreme circumstances. If you think you could qualify, contact us.

What if the ball is cancelled?

We hope it doesn’t come to it, but will let you know as soon as possible if we need to cancel the party. We’ll then do everything we can to recover our costs and pass these savings back on to you.

What are the competition rules?

You can read the competition rules here.