The Black Ball celebrated its 18th year in Bournemouth and with its range of fun activities it was no surprise that the event was a sell-out. The opposite of The White Ball (held during the summer), it had something for everyone - casino games, karaoke, dodgems, penalty shoot-out, instant photographs, dance classes, live music and its newest addition - space-hopper grand prix.

As I entered the party, the fun dance class was on and everyone seemed to be keeping pace with the instructors on the stage. With a shuffle of partners every few lessons, you didn't necessarily need to have your own partner to partake in this event. Swing music followed and the dancers put their newfound skills to the test.

Even though it was chilly outside, the line for dodgems built progressively as the night went on. Though the penalty shootout wasn't a big hit, one thing that took the women by surprise was a rodeo in the shape of a man's genital. Sure, you could come up with several pun-intended jokes, but every woman was sporting and it thoroughly infused a sense of humour as the night went on and alcohol kicked in.

I decided to try my skills at karaoke and was suddenly surrounded by a choir of mature ladies upon singing my rendition of a Michael Buble track. True, the crowd was a bit senior but for £24, university students understandably opted for cheaper options in the town centre. I, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoyed the event and wished my recently-concluded graduation ball was organised in similar vein. The event had everything you could ask for to keep you entertained all night long.

The Black Ball was held at the Bournemouth Pavilion on 26 November 2011.