Events

Our social calendar is jam-packed with a huge number of events: here is just a small sample of the variety of events that take place throughout the year.

Formal Dinners

Formal Dinners take place in Van Mildert's hall about once every two weeks. Unlike many other colleges, Van Mildert does not ask students to wear gowns and instead they typically wear lounge suits or evening wear. A formal three-course meal is served to students in Van Mildert's hall and normally students will bring their own wine to enjoy with the meal. After the meal, students can either sit with coffee and chat in the hall, or go dance to the DJ in the JCR Lounge, or get a drink in the bar.

'Bops'

'Bops' are usually held every fortnight on a Saturday night and though costumes are not compulsory, every bop is themed and there's always a whole range of costumes, some more bizarre than others. There are usually two different DJs in two different rooms, and the bar is decorated to match the theme.

Balls

A Ball is held once every term, and there is usually a four-course meal as well as live music, DJs, magicians, and even a casino and bouncy castles. The Summer Ball (held after exams in July) is the highlight of the year and previous acts who have played at the ball include "The Honeyz", "East 17", "Do Me Bad Things", "Chesney Hawks" and numerous others.

Arts Week

Held during the second week, Arts Week is a week of free art, music and theatre-related events held in Van Mildert. In previous years events have included dance classes, DJ competitions, wine and cheese evenings, photography exhibitions and variety shows. The annual "48-hour production" is a musical rehearsed and staged in just two days, and is one of the college's most popular theatre events.

Christmas at Van Mildert

As well as the usual cheesy Christmas Music throughout the festive season, there is a Christmas Formal, a yearly panto, a carol service and "Carols in the Bar" - just what you need to get you in the festive spirit.

And More...

If that doesn't take your fancy there's numerous events in Durham - club nights, "Planet of Sound" and "Back to School" at the Union, talks and debates at the Union Society, Poker tournaments and much more.