What are Formals?
Formals are formal three course meals held once a week (either on a Tuesday or Friday evening) in the Hatfield College dining hall. They often have a theme that helps to celebrate the various aspects of the College such as Hatfield day, Founders formal, International formal, and many more. For a full list of our formals in the present term, please visit the Formals Term Card.
Hatfield is one of the most traditional colleges in Durham and therefore all our formals are ‘gowned’. You can buy a gown from the MCR. There are various traditions involved in the formals but those are customarily discovered only when one attends for the first time. It’s all a part of the fun!
If you are sensitive to noise, please bring earplugs!
Basic Formals Rules
Gowns mandatory and must be worn for the duration of the formal
Formal wear is mandatory. This means dress/suit and tie and smart shoes (Dr Martens and similar do not qualify as smart shoes)
No phones or other electronic devices in the Dining Hall.
No drinks, other than wine purchased from the bar staff to be brought into the hall
No leaving the hall once formal has started unless you have asked permission from the JCR Senior Man
No late admittance (doors close at 18h55)
Anti-social/rude behavior to staff or other students will not be tolerated