An event that makes memories. And it can't happen without a dedicated team.
The Jesus May Ball is a massive celebration taking place after the June exams. Over 3000 students, alumni, friends, and fellows come together for a night of abundant food & drink, big-name headliners, and a plethora of other entertainment.
At the heart of this grand event is the Jesus May Ball Committee — the team that makes it all happen. By leveraging the diverse skills and creativity of our members, we design, plan, and execute this spectacular experience.
Curious about what it's like to be part of the team? Watch the video below to hear from past committee members about their experience.
1877
The first Jesus College 'Garden Party' takes place. The Band of the Grenadier Guards performs. These events, later known as 'June Events' and then 'May Balls', have continued every two or three years since.
2019
The college was transformed into a mirrored landscape, illuminated with thousands of lights and headlined by Example and The Hoosiers.
2022
Headlined by Sigala and Foxes, guests spent their night in the clouds as they enjoyed Taking Flight.
2023
Guests experienced BLOOM, a night of creation, classification, and genesis, with Kelis and Shy FX headlining.
2024
With epic performances by Tinie Tempah and The Hunna, guests journeyed Into the Surreal, revelling in the beauty of a night where the boundaries between the possible and impossible were dissolved.
2025
Last year the college saw its biggest ball yet! The grounds were transformed with bold colours, vibrant lights, and guests were treated to unforgettable sets by Ella Henderson and Sea Girls.
To make JMB26 the best yet, we're looking for dedicated, organised, proactive individuals with high standards, a keen eye for detail, and a strong sense of teamwork. All subjects, any years; no experience required. We've got a role for everybody — what matters is your commitment and enthusiasm. There's plenty of opportunity to learn on the job. Applications are open until the 12th of October, 11:59pm.
Step into a leadership position at the Jesus May Ball and make a real impact! These positions are essential to the event's success, overseeing everything from high-level strategy to on-the-ground logistics. Your'll have the opporuntity to help guide other committee members and ensure the event's setup runs smoothly. We're also offering opportunities for leadership within other areas, such as Head of Staffing,Head of Catering, and Head of Creative, which can be applied for through the Staffing, Food, Drink, and Creative roles. Whether you're experienced in managing large projects or eager to develop your leadership skills, these roles are the perfect chance to make a difference and gain valuable experience in event management.
Logistics Coordinator
As Logistics Coordinator, you'll oversee the setup and dismantling of all infrastructure, ensuring everything is in place for the big night. You'll work closely with other departments, helping to oversee key aspects like site planning, vendor coordination, and organising Setup Week, whilst also liaising with College staff to make sure everything runs smoothly. This role is ideal for someone who's organised, detail-oriented, and enjoys working with logistics. You'll gain hands-on experience in event management, problem-solving, and collaborating with various teams, making it a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of one of the year's most exciting events.
Join the heart of the Jesus May Ball as part of the Operations team! You'll manage the essential behind-the-scenes elements that keep the event running smoothly, from handling finances and legal compliance to maintaining our digital presence and coordinating administrative tasks. This department offers diverse roles for detail-oriented, proactive individuals who want to gain hands-on experience in areas like budgeting, legal guidance, social media, web management, and administration. It's the perfect opportunity to develop valuable skills and be an integral part of making the May Ball a success.
Treasurer
As Treasurer, you'll oversee the financial operations of the Jesus May Ball, ensuring we stay on budget and financially secure. You'll manage departmental budgets, track all income and expenses, and ensure timely payments to contractors. This role suits someone who is detail-oriented and responsible, offering hands-on experience with accounting systems and the chance to develop valuable skills in budgeting, financial analysis, and risk management. If you're confident with spreadsheets and enjoy working with money, this is the role for you!
Legal and Compliance
In this role, you'll ensure the Jesus May Ball operates within all legal frameworks, covering everything from licensing and data protection to equality and consumer rights. You'll review contracts, provide legal guidance, and help the committee navigate a range of regulatory requirements. This position is ideal for someone with a sharp eye for detail, a strong interest in law, and a proactive mindset. You'll gain hands-on experience in managing compliance and legal risks, playing a crucial part in ensuring the event runs smoothly and within legal boundaries.
Digital Services
In this role, you'll be responsible for maintaining the website, ticketing platform, and email systems for theJesus May Ball, ensuring they run smoothly and securely. This position is ideal for someone with web design or development skills and an interest in system administration and security. You'll also have the opportunity to improve our internal systesms and organisational software, to improve committee colaboration throughout the year.
Secretary
Be the organisational backbone of the Jesus May Ball! As Secretary, you'll support the committee by managing administrative tasks, taking minutes at meetings, organising socials, and handling customer enquiries. It's a role that offers insight into all aspects of the event, making it perfect for someone who's organised, proactive, and enjoys keeping everything running smoothly. You'll gain valuable experience in administration, communication, and project management, all while playing a vital role in one of the biggest nights at Jesus College.
Head of Marketing
Bring the excitement of the Jesus May Ball to life! As Head of Marketing, you'll craft engaging narratives, create vibrant content, and develop innovative strategies to build drive ticket sales and attract sponsers. You'll be responsible for growing our online presence, managing platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and recruiting well-known brands to sponser JMB26. This role is perfect for someone with a creative flair, great organisational skills, and a passion for social media. You'll gain hands-on experience in digital marketing, content creation, and strategy, making it an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to expand their skills in this dynamic field.
The Logistics team coordinates all the essential elements, from managing technical production and security to curating incredible entertainment, food, and drink experiences. Whether you're interested in overseeing the venue's setup, recruiting staff, or ensuring the event is safe and secure, there's a role to suit every skill set. There are a variety of opportunities for hands-on experience in event planning, problem-solving, and collaboration, making it the perfect place to contribute to one of the most exciting nights at Jesus College.
Food
Help us create a delicious experience for the Jesus May Ball! In this role, you'll be responsible for curating a diverse range of food options, from vegan and vegetarian to halal and kosher, ensuring every guest is catered for. You'll work closely with vendors, manage contracts, and oversee all food services to ensure everything runs smoothly on the night. We'll be selecting a Head of Catering from all applicants for both the Food and Drink roles, so there's an opportunity to take on more responsibility if you're up for the challenge. This role is perfect for someone who's organised, detail-oriented, and eager to develop their negotiating skills. It's a fantastic chance to develop skills in event planning, all whilst ensuring everyone leaves with a satisfied appetite!
Drinks
Help us craft an unforgettable drink experience for the Jesus May Ball! In this role, you'll be responsible for curating a diverse selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from cocktails to mocktails, ensuring every guest is catered for. You'll work closely with vendors, manage contracts, and oversee the committee-run bars to ensure everything flows smoothly on the night. We'll be selecting a Head of Catering from all applicants for both the Food and Drink roles, so there's an opportunity to take on more responsibility if you're up for it. This role is perfect for someone who's organised, detail-oriented, and eager to develop their negotiating skills. It's a fantastic chance to develop skills in event planning and stock management whilst making sure everyone enjoys a fantastic range of beverages!
Head of Staffing / Staffing Assistant
As part of the Staffing team, you'll be responsible for recruiting, training, and managing hundreds of staff members who make the night run smoothly. From hiring site managers and bartenders to organising setup and cleanup workers, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring everything runs like clockwork. We're hiring both a Head of Staffing and a Staffing Assistant, so whether you have lots of experience or are just starting, there's an opportunity for you. This role suits someone who is organised, a great communicator, and who enjoys working with people. It's a fantastic chance to develop your recruitment and management skills whilst being a key part of one of the biggest nights at Jesus College.
Production
In this role, you'll manage the technical and production aspects of the Jesus May Ball, ensuring lighting, sound, power, and staging are coordinated smoothly. You'll work with a professional production company and liaise with committee members, performers, and vendors to bring everything together seamlessly. This position would suit someone with strong organisational skills and attention to detail. It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in event production or technical theatre, but there's plenty of room to learn on the job. You'll gain hands-on experience in event logistics, problem-solving, and coordinating large-scale technical operations.
Infrastructure
In this role, you'll transform the Jesus College grounds into a fully equipped venue for the May Ball. You'll manage everything from marquees and furniture to waste management and toilets, ensuring every element runs smoothly. While it might not sound glamorous, this role is incredibly fun and involves plenty of hands-on problem-solving. This role is perfect for someone who is practical, organised, and ready to tackle challenges. It's an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event logistics and play a key role in one of the year's biggest events.
Customer Safety and Security
In this role, you'll be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of everyone at the Jesus May Ball. You'll organise perimeter security, implement access management, and work closely with a professional security company to create a safe environment. This role is perfect for someone detail-oriented, with strong planning skills and the ability to foresee potential security weaknesses. You'll have the opportunity to work with multiple stakeholders, including key members of College staff, and develop valuable experience in event security, risk management, and meticulous planning.
Musical Entertainment
Are you passionate about music and keen to curate an unforgettable lineup? In this role, you'll be responsible for securing and managing a range of performers for the Jesus May Ball, from student bands to tribute acts. You'll collaborate with other committee members to ensure all technical needs are met and help keep everything running smoothly on the night. This role is perfect for someone with great communication skills, an eye for detail, and a love for all things music. It's a fantastic chance to get involved in the Cambridge music scene, gain valuable experience in event planning, and work behind the scenes at one of the year's biggest events.
Non-Musical Entertainment
Bring the fun to the Jesus May Ball! In this role, you'll be in charge of organising a diverse range of non-musical entertainment, from fairground rides and games to inflatables and a casino. You'll work with vendors, ensure everything is set up correctly, and keep the excitement going throughout the night. This position is perfect for someone who's creative, organised, and enjoys bringing ideas to life. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in event planning and to play a key role in making the Jesus May Ball unforgettable for guests.
Join the Creative team and help curate the visual identity of the Jesus May Ball! This team is responsible for developing and executing the event's aesthetic, from designing stunning graphics to transforming the venue into a captivating experience. Whether you're interested in graphic design, videography, or leading the overall creative vision, there's a role that lets you showcase your artistic skills. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop your creative talents, and play a key part in making JMB26 an unforgettable event.
Creative Team
Shape the artistic vision of the Jesus May Ball and bring our brand to life! In this role, you'll help develop and implement a captivating visual experience, from marketing materials to on-the-night decor. You'll work on everything from designing key installations to overseeing the visual transformation of the College grounds. We'll be selecting one applicant as the Head of Creative, so there's an opportunity to lead if you're up for the challenge. This role is perfect for someone with a bold creative vision, strong project management skills, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. It's a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience in event design and see your ideas come to life at one of the year's most exciting events.
Graphic Design
Bring the Jesus May Ball to life with your creativity! In this role, you'll craft stunning publicity materials and transform our brand into a vibrant visual experience. You'll design captivating graphics, posters, and promotional content that capture the spirit and identity of JMB26. Experience with vector graphics and digital drawing is essential, as you'll use these skills to create high-quality designs. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a flair for design to gain hands-on experience.
It isn't all just work — there's lots for you in return. We're likely to review and enhance these benefits throughout the year, but here's a brief overview of what we're offering right now. If you'd like more information on any of them, just ask!
Free entry to JMB26 and JMB27
Enjoy a free ticket to JMB26 and JMB27! You'll experience two unforgettable Jesus May Balls without the worry of ticket costs. And committee privileges mean no queuing either.
Free entry to JMB26 for your guests
As a committee member, you can invite your friends and family to join in the fun at no additional cost. Share the magic of your hard work with those closest to you, making the night even more memorable!
Free entry to other selected Balls
In addition to JMB26 and JMB27, you'll enjoy complimentary access to other selected Balls. It's a great opportunity to experience a variety of other colleges dressed up in their May Ball aesthetics.
Free formals, socials, and stash
Throughout the year, we'll arrange various social events with the committee, including formals and nights out. This will be an opportunity to get to know the team beyond work. There is also a wide choice of JMB26 stash to enjoy.
Free tastings and samplings
The role of vetting all our delicious food and drink vendors falls on the capable shoulders of our committee members. It's a wonderful perk that allows you to explore and enjoy new bars and restaurants throughout the year.
Dinner in the Master’s Lodge
If we're as fortunate as we have been in previous years, we'll get to enjoy dinner in the Master's Lodge alongside the dedicated members of College staff who also play a pivotal role in bringing Jesus May Ball to life.
Unforgettable experiences
From the thrill of event planning to the excitement of the big night itself, you'll be part of something truly extraordinary. You'll make friends across all year groups and enjoy memorable moments that you'll cherish for years to come. A JMB24 committee member described their time on the committee as the "highlight of [their] year" and "most insane event [they've] helped create".
Stand out to employers
Being part of the JMB26 Committee is not just about the incredible experiences and memories; it's also a fantastic opportunity to stand out to future employers. Your involvement in planning and executing a major event like JMB demonstrates your organisational skills, teamwork, and ability to manage a significant budget. It's a valuable addition to any CV.
You can apply for a role using this form.
Applications close on the 12th of October 2025 at 11:59pm.
Sure. We welcome applicants from all years of undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Not at all! Previous experience on a May Ball Committee is not a requirement. In fact, our committee is an excellent opportunity for you to learn on the job and gain invaluable event management experience that can enhance your CV. So, whether you're a seasoned event planner or brand new to this, we encourage you to apply.
Don't worry if you're unsure about which role to apply for! Think of your chosen role more as a preference. Most applicants are invited to an interview, where one of the questions we ask is whether you'd be open to considering other roles. The application form is largely the same for all positions, so it's perfectly fine if you haven't answered any role-specific questions. During the interview, we'll explain more about each role and help you explore options that might interest you. Don’t be overwhelmed by all the choices — we’re here to help you find the right fit once you've submitted your application.
The time commitments for committee positions can vary, and we understand that each member will have unique availability and responsibilities. We are committed to making the job as manageable as possible and are always open to feedback to improve the experiences of our committee members. As a general estimate, you can expect to spend about two hours a week. However, some roles may require more time, while others may require less. Much of this depends on your approach — starting early, around November, rather than leaving everything until May, will make the workload far more manageable. A "little and often" approach is the best policy. If you have any questions or would like more details about the time commitment for a specific role, please feel free to reach out.
On the night of the event, every committee member plays a crucial role in ensuring its success. If you have specific responsibilities related to your role, you'll be expected to manage them efficiently. You may also be asked to support fellow committee members as needed. Flexibility and a willingness to assist where required are highly valued. However, most committee members still have plenty of time to enjoy the event, see the headliners, and spend time with their friends. Plus, as a committee member, you get to skip all the queues, allowing you to experience the entire event more efficiently and make the most of it.
Absolutely! You will have the chance to enjoy the Ball alongside your duties, taking in the atmosphere, entertainment, and all the memorable moments the event has to offer. As a committee member, you'll receive a sash that not only denotes your role but also grants you perks, including queue jump privileges. This means you can maximise your time and make the most of the event. We believe that combining work and play is one of the unique aspects of being on the committee. It allows you to contribute to the event's success whilst creating your own unforgettable memories. If you have any specific questions about balancing your responsibilities whilst enjoying the Ball, please feel free to reach out.
Our access and sustainability roles will be allocated once the other advertised committee positions have been filled. If you are interested in either role, please do let us know in your application.
Planning a May Ball is indeed challenging, but it's also an incredibly rewarding experience. You'll gain valuable skills in event planning, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills that can benefit you in various aspects of your life and career. You'll also have the opportunity to experience the inner workings of a large-scale event, gaining insights into how it comes to life. Committee members also enjoy a wide range of benefits, including free tickets, queue jump privileges, access to special events like formals and dinners, and more. However, those who have been part of the committee often find that the intangible rewards — the friendships, the sense of accomplishment, and the memories — far outweigh the tangible benefits. If you have any questions or doubts, please feel free to reach out. We'd love to share more about the incredible experience of being on the Jesus May Ball committee.
No, these are voluntary positions, and no committee members are paid. However, many people find the roles incredibly rewarding, both in terms of the experience gained and the friendships formed. Throughout the year, committee members are gifted certain perks, such as tickets to the Jesus May Ball and other events, as a way of showing appreciation for their contributions.
While committee positions are voluntary, there are several perks gifted to members throughout the year as a token of appreciation for their hard work. In the past, these have included free tickets to the Jesus May Ball, queue jump privileges on the night, tickets to other May Balls, and access to special events like formals and socials. What we've advertised on this website reflects what has been offered in the past, but it's important to note that in most cases, these perks are decided collectively by the committee each year and may vary. If you have any questions or would like more details, feel free to reach out!
Certainly. We encourage you to apply for all the positions you feel align with your skills and interests. You don't need to submit separate applications; you can select multiple roles on your application form. We will also automatically consider applicants for other roles if we believe they may be better suited elsewhere within our team.
Definitely. We welcome all unique skills and talents. When applying, select the role that you feel is the closest match to your abilities and interests. In the application form, tell us about your skills, experiences, and what you'd like to bring to the committee, even if it doesn't perfectly align with an existing role. We look forward to learning more about your potential contribution.
Absolutely. We welcome applications from registered partners. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from across the college and be a part of the excitement.
Whilst priority is given to Jesus College students, we encourage and will consider applications from individuals outside of the college, particularly for the roles of Graphic Design and Videography. If you have something exceptional to offer, we're eager to hear from you, regardless of your college membership. Your talent and enthusiasm are what truly matters to us.
Once your application has been submitted, details cannot be changed. However, if you have any alterations or additional information to share, please contact us before the application deadline on the 12th of October 2025 at 11:59pm.
Here's what you can expect. Call to Interview: We aim to notify all candidates about whether they have been selected for an interview by the 13th of October. Interview Period: Interviews will be conducted in-person between the 14th and 18th of October. Please keep an eye on your email during this period for updates.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Alex at [email protected].
Your privacy is important to us. To learn more about how we handle your personal data, please review our Applicant Privacy Notice. This document provides detailed information on the collection, use, and protection of your data throughout the application process.