BOURNEMOUTH University’s Student Union have announced that their popular Summer Ball event has been cancelled after failing to receive permission from the venue’s owners – Bournemouth University.

As the event could not go ahead on its original date on Saturday June 5, organisers were to arrange a new date between when restrictions are eased on large scale outdoor events on June 21, and when some student accommodation is still available at the end of July.

However, after finding a new date, Students’ Union Bournemouth University (SUBU) have said that the university were not able to grant approval due to contractual commitments to the site.

In an announcement on their Facebook page, SUBU said: “We are heartbroken to let you know we are having to cancel this year’s SUBU Summer Ball.

“We have spent every day since the announcement of the Covid-19 reopening roadmap making arrangements to reschedule the event further into the summer of 2021.

“We are gutted. The SUBU staff who plan and run the summer ball do not do it for reward, we do it for one reason – we know it is the best student event of any university in the country, fact.”

The student union, a charity which aims to improve the academic and social experience for BU students, have now said that their focus has moved to ensuring the 2022 Summer Ball returns in its full form.

Alumni from 2020 and 2021 will be welcome and invited to attend, as the event was cancelled last year due to the ongoing pandemic.

All ticket holders will receive a full refund automatically over the next week, and tickets will not be rolled over to 2022.

Bournemouth University have said that they have a “contractual priority” to ensure that Chapel Gate is ready and usable for sports activities.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth university added: “We know this has been a difficult year for everyone and BU, with SUBU is keen to do as much as possible to support the student experience when permitted.

“Chapel Gate, whilst owned by BU, is managed by BU Community Business, and has a contractual priority to ensure the site is available and suitable for sports activity.

“Unfortunately, due to Government Covid-19 restrictions, the original date for the ball was no longer permissible and only one alternative date was identified by SUBU as being possible.

“Unfortunately, the impact on core contractual activity and existing commitments to regular users of Chapel Gate, and the significant improvement works programme which will be in progress at the time, was too great to agree with this date.

“As communicated to SUBU, we remain open to other proposals to support their event and will continue to work with them to agree a new date in 2022.”