Event organisers, from left, Richard White, Joseph Alliott, Emma Lupton and Sam Barrington-Wells

May Morning in Oxford is synonymous with tankard-waving Morris dancers, prim choristers and leaping students, giddy on champagne, snapping their ankles under Magdalen Bridge.

But time was when it had an altogether cooler edge.

Throughout the late 80s and 90s, the smartest kids in town headed to the Oxford May Ball - a sumptuous feast of music, live entertainment and the odd cocktail, staged under canvas.

Open to all, it was a democratic version of the exclusive student bashes which have been going on behind college walls, out of the reach of ordinary townsfolk, for centuries.

Initially, a black tie event, the May Day Ball grew each year, moving first to Shotover, then Milton Common, where it mushroomed into a 'super club' style night with 15,000 revellers.

Then it stopped.

Now one of the members of the original team has got together with East Oxford-based TCT Music and some willing student promoters, to resurrect this legendary event - this time in the newly-refurbished splendour of the Regal, on Cowley Road.

Dubbed the Official Oxford May Day Ball 2008, it takes place on Wednesday night - and goes right the way through to dawn. And the line-up isn't too shabby either.

Talent includes headline DJs Utah Saints, Aidan Larkin's Skylarkin' Soundsystem, Gordon Kaye, Justin Winks, Andy Le Ford and Miguel Del Bosque, Ash Verschuur, DJ Snoobs, Emily Williams and Tommy Itone of Stanton Warriors fame.

Live music comes from Queen tribute act The Champions and student band Suburban Sun.

Of course, no ball is complete without a bit of randomness, and the team have rustled up a casino, go-go dancers, firebreathers, angle grinders, a world record boat race attempt and a food court.

"The May Ball has been missed since it disappeared," said James Knox, an events manager from Temple Cowley, who was a driving force behind the original events.

"The old balls were fabulous. They were hard work and involved very little sleep, but everyone loved them. However, they eventually moved away from their black tie May Day roots.

"We want to get back to those roots. It's also important people can get involved in the traditions, by going down to see the singers at Magdalen College."

Revellers are encouraged to come in black tie or ball gown, though smart suits will be allowed for gentlemen unable to secure a tux. But, insists James, "definitely no trainers!"

TCT Promoter Alan Day said: "This event will be one of the first to take place at the city's newest, lavishly refurbished building.

"The focus of attention will undoubtedly be the Great Room, featuring many restored original 1930s features, high ceilings and spectacular acoustics. It's a fine venue for this event."

Tickets are £25 plus booking fee from www.wegottickets.com, or in person from Videosyncratic and SS20 in Cowley Road.

Doors open at 9pm and the fun goes on until 6am.

2:40pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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