The Essential Guide to The Masked Ball 2018 (25-27 May)

With arguably one of the most decadent festivals in the UK fast approaching, here’s our guide to making the most out of the hedonistic dance extravaganza that is the Spring Masked Ball.

Get your tickets!
If you’ve not yet got a ticket, tier 2 tickets remain. It’s £60 for the Saturday night and £85 for the weekend (Friday through to Monday morning). Both tickets include camping – get info and buy tickets here.

Find The Masked Ball
The Spring Masked Ball site has some of the most stunning views in festival land. The venue is carved into the cliffs overlooking the sea in Porthleven, in West Cornwall. Find info on how to get to the Ball here.

Dress to impress
Renowned for having one of the best and most extravagantly dressed crowds of the festival season, the Ball calls for outrageous and original attire, so make sure you dress to the nines.

Dance all night
This year, for the first time, the Ball has a 24 hour music and alcohol license, meaning it is one of the few festivals in the UK where you can truly dance from dusk 'til dawn. Prepare to dance the night away, and don’t forget to pace yourself so you can enjoy both the sunset and sunrise across Mount Bay – an experience you’ll never forget.

Upgrade baby
For those who like the finer things in life, the Masked Ball has some really special upgrade options. Book a session to sip cocktails in a hot tub in the moonlight, either before or after the dancefloor antics, here (advanced booking is advised) or stay in luxury in a Shire Hut.

Go on an adventure
The Masked Ball is on the doorstep of a picturesque Cornish fishing village and a stone’s throw from magnificent beaches, and you’re free to come and go as you please if you keep your wrist band on. So make sure you get out there and explore the beautiful surroundings of Porthleven. 

Get sleazy
Take a journey to Coney Island – it really is something else in there. For those who saw Fangz at the Halloween Masked Ball, you’ll know the score; resident trannies gyrating to pounding disco – don’t stop ‘till you get enough…

See a UK first
On Saturday night, make sure you don’t miss Daft as Punk’s Pyramid recreation of the legendary ‘Alive’ concert. This is the first time it’s been performed in the UK and you’re in for a treat.

Atone
Confess your sins and cleanse your soul with Oh My God! It’s the Church (who played a cracking set at the Halloween Ball if you were there) before committing many more on Saturday night.

Attend the Sunday Service
At the Ball, Sunday certainly isn’t a day of rest. Dance to Princeless on Sunday afternoon in the big tipi, then get down with party legends Dicky Trisco and Pete Herbert . And make sure you get to the Grand Ballroom to catch Psychemagik play the Ball anthem ‘Everywhere’.

Mind your manors
The Ball’s ever-popular open air venue by the Manor House is back! The open air venue overlooking the bay is a real favourite with Ballers, with unbelievable views.

What to bring
ID as challenge 25 will be in place at all bars
Cash for the weekend, as cash machines in Porthleven may run out of money
Waterproofs and wellington boots (just in case!)
Change of clothes in case you get wet
Mobile phone (a ‘temporary’ phone would be advisable in case of damage and loss)
Tent and sleeping bag – if you’re camping
Sun tan lotion
Warm clothes for after sunset

What not to bring
Glass
Illegal drugs and new psychoactive substances (previously called ‘legal highs’) including Nitrous oxide
Portable or disposable barbeques/gas/paraffin lamps or any fire/gas related cooking equipment Portable laser equipment and pens sky lanterns megaphones air horns
Animals with the exception of guide dog
Generators, apart from those permanently built into campervans gas canisters or cylinders apart from those fitted in campervans

For more information, hints, tips, and to buy tickets, visit https://www.maskedball.net