In Durham formal dinners are a long-standing tradition. They are a whole college event so we will join members of the JCR on the low table whilst the SCR members will sit on high table.
Formal dinners are roughly every three weeks and you can find the dates for all of the formals on the calendar. They start at 7pm with a drinks reception in the bar before heading through the the Howlands building for a three course meal. At the end of the meal there is a toast to Josephine Butler and then the meal is usually followed by entertainment in the bar afterwards.
Butler is a gowned college so the dress code for our formals is lounge suits and gowns. Gowns will be available to buy new or second hand when you arrive at college in September.
To sign up for a formal there is a signup system on the JCR website which will open at 7pm the week before the formal. Places at formals are very popular so it is recommended that you sign up as soon as possible.