Formal Dinners

Formal dinners, or ‘formals’, offer a great opportunity to dress up, put on your academic gown and socialise with students, staff and guests from college and beyond over good food. Students normally sit on long tables and there is a ‘High Table’ for College staff, invited guests, academics and Senior Common Room members. At the end of the meal, or over dessert, the Principal or other College Officer gives a speech, and afterwards students and high table guests mingle together over coffee and mints, or local cheese.

Many of our formals are themed, such as Fairtrade & Environment Formal and Love & Pride Formal, and often include a guest or student speaker reflecting on the theme. 

Our  “Once a Johnian” formals bring together alumni, students, guests and staff across the University to network and share experiences on a particular theme or area of work. On these formals there is no high table, everyone mixes together, and there may be a seminar or panel discussion as part of the programme.

Unlike most other colleges, St John’s formals are free, all you need to bring along is wine or soft drinks.

Once or twice every term, we have a special, black-tie 'mega-formals' – tickets are normally £7 and include a sparkling drinks reception!

St John’s hosts a number of formals during term-time, and although you may not be able to go every time, there are plenty of opportunities to attend this special feature of College life.