The volume knob was turned to high and from dinner jackets to disc jockeys; all the best DJs were out in force. With the Students' usual boozing haunt of the Union Arms out of bounds, the airy atrium played host to the educated masses, as well as the likes of U2 tribute band U2:UK, DJ Yoda and Radio One’s very own Scott Mills.  | | Bono look-a-like |
U2:UK were probably still practicing the Irish foursome’s new stuff when their invite to the ball dropped through their doors. New single ‘Vertigo’ was handled with admirable aplomb, as were the good old classics, ‘Elevation’ and ‘Beautiful Day’. All this before our Bono look-a-like enjoyed a little crowd interaction, giving onlookers the chance to sing along and enjoy their one minute of fame. Radio One’s Mills was surprisingly downbeat and made for neither compelling viewing nor likable listening. His cheery ‘choons’ were interspersed with a shameless promotion of his radio show, the old “get a job” student rant and his subtle solicitation of female graduates was almost bordering on the embarrassing. Yoda, famed for his cut and paste style of popular culture, dazzled with a stunning stage show; a fitting performance aimed at the short attention spans of the MTV generation. The Richardson Hall welcomed the more urban of acts, staging sets from MC Wrec and human beat-box ‘Koobs’. Crunching guitar chords were also the order of the day; Headway and Thee Unstrung providing the perfect antidote to the harder-hitting hip-hop. Custom-built bars were constructed in the atrium while ‘Blends,’ the universities very own coffee bar, was turned into the classiest of VIP areas, providing a chill-out area for those lucky enough to blag their way in! A fantastic range of freshly cooked food was conjured up in the biggest woks imaginable and included a choice of noodles, alongside a selection of other Chinese and Indian fodder. Oh, and the usual burgers and bangers were also an option of course! The sumptuous smell and generous portions were quite a feast for the senses.  | | Giant woks cooking up a treat |
Starting off slow, the New Year’s Ball soon filled to the brim with glowing graduates, all fresh from their scroll-collecting, boogying towards the send-off they deserved. The dry-eyes managed to just outweigh the tear-filled ones as the night drew to a close and the no-longer students said their temporary goodbyes. As they danced the night away, the guys looked dapper and the girls were gorgeous. While some presumably got that last dance they wished for, others were probably not quite so privileged. It was horrendous, not a scratch on the summer ball. Scott Mills is an absolute (you pick the word for here). thank god my girlf has graduated so i never have to go through that again!
Chris ball was great, had a really good time. infact it was nice to meet so many friends after months
sandeep mani were you all at a different venue than me because i thought the ball was absolute pants. Not a mention all evening of it being graduation time, no banners or anything on this special nite, which lets face it cost most of us a few thousand what with fees and loans etc. Once again Derby university student union does not give a monkeys for mature students ( it was my 40th birthday) and i d looked forward to the evening for a long time foolish old me, apart from U2:UK and Groove 66 which I might add were on far too early in the evening there was nothing for anyone over 25. It might of been nice to have a compere or at least some notices to tell us who was on where !!! my friends tell me that this was the worse ball for at least the past five years so roll on next year and see if its any better!!!!!1
Hayley Sargeant You sure that was a spilled pint Ian??? aye - twas a good night all round - really enjoyed it!
Steve Langford Hell yeah! Great night! Bloody draughty though on the dance floor. Enjoyed all the bands. We might book Groove 66 for our wedding later this year! Cheers!!
Danny and Lisa Top Night. Great Seeing everyone again. Got a pint spilled down me leg in 1st 5 mins but i didnt care. I wanna be a student again!
Ian Jelley For the first time in the 3 years I was at Derby I thought the Ball was well worth the money!!
Gemma Haigh Wow what a great night me and my graduating b/f had - great fun start to finish (didn't last to the end though!). Scott Mills was nothing special but U2:UK and GROOVE66 (correct spelling? why not mentioned in the review?) were fantastic!! Must get tickets for the May Ball.
Amelia Forbes-Hardwicke, Duffield | 
