Cambridge University students jump from bridge into river after Trinity May Ball

Students jumping off Magdelene Bridge and into the River Cam (Joe Giddens/ PA) - (PA Wire)

Cambridge University students cooled off by jumping off Magdalene Bridge into the River Cam following the 160th anniversary Trinity May Ball.

It is an informal tradition for students to do so as part of their post-ball antics, though it is said to be discouraged.

The students had attended the University of Cambridge’s Trinity May Ball (Joe Giddens/ PA) (PA Wire)

As temperatures began to climb this week before a heatwave, several were tempted into the water – some having stripped down to their underwear.

It came as students at the prestigious university made their way home after a night of partying at the Trinity May Ball, still dressed to the nines in ball gowns and black tie.

Students made their way home still in ball gowns and black tie (Joe Giddens/ PA) (PA Wire)

Guests paid at least £225 for a single ticket for what was billed as “Cambridge’s best Ball” to celebrate the end of their exams.

This included a “stunning fireworks display”, musical entertainment and comedians.

A firework display lights up the sky over the River Cam during the Trinity May Ball (Joe Giddens/ PA) (PA Wire)

The first Trinity May Ball was held in 1866 and the tradition quickly spread to other colleges.

Despite now taking place in June they are still called the May Balls, as that is when they were originally held.

Students cooling off as a heatwave approaches (Joe Giddens/ PA) (PA Wire)

The event is described on its website as “one of the most sought after tickets to be had in May Week” and “an unrivalled showcase of revelry”.

The ball has been held every year since 1866, apart from 1910, when King Edward VII died, during the Second World War between 1939 and 1945, and in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.