A Guide to the Best Reeling Balls
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From castles in the Highlands to grand ballrooms in London and Paris, reeling balls are some of the most magical events in the social calendar.
Whether you’re planning your first reeling ball or plotting a lifetime 'bucket list', knowing which balls to aim for is half the fun.
Below is Ballavimus’ curated list of the most notable reeling balls – those worth travelling for, dressing up for, and remembering forever.
Some are invitation only and others are open to the public. Each ball is a glorious all-night affair that deserves its own article but here we’ve just provided the key things you’ll want to know.
If you’re lucky enough to attend more than one, you’ll quickly want somewhere to keep programmes, dance cards, and names.
'The Season' in Scotland
There are a series of reeling balls across Scotland every summer that are referred to as the ‘Highland Ball Season’ or just ‘The Season’ in reeling circles. They are mostly invitation only, so start making reeling friends. Or reach out to the committee, you never know…
Gone are the days where eligible young women would take the summer off to do The Season as a form of highly organised speed dating. Today, attending even a one of these balls can mean taking a week off work, as they are often:
A) In remote parts of Scotland that take a while to travel to
B) Midweek events
C) ‘Double headers’ with a black tie ball one night and a white tie one the next
D) You’ve made it all that way North – you might as well make a week of it
E) But who really needs to work anyway?
The Donside Ball
- Invitation only
- Late August
- Aberdeenshire
One for true reelers. If you know, you know
The Aboyne Ball
- Invitation only
- Late August
- Aberdeenshire
Often done as a ‘double header’ with the Donside Ball
Northern Meeting
- Invitation only
- Late August
- Inverness
Nearly 250 years old and still as glorious as ever
The Oban Ball
- Invitation only
- Late August
- Oban·
More correctly known as the Argyllshire Gathering. Two nights with back-to-back black tie and white tie evening
The Lochaber Ball
- Invitation only
- Late August
- Highland
Iconic pre-ball photos against the background of a beautiful loch guaranteed
The Skye Ball
- Invitation only
- Early September
- Isle of Skye
Famous for its setting as much as its dancing, worth the journey alone
The Perth Ball
- Open to the public
- Mid-September
- Perthshire
High energy and full of London reelers. One of the easier ones to get to but no less special
The Angus Ball
- Open to the public
- Late September
- Angus
No longer running but we have hopes it will return. Traditionally part of The Season
Why a Season ball deserves a place in your diary
Even for those lucky enough to live in Scotland, a Scottish reeling ball is a special thing. They are full of energy, tradition, colour and life. You’ll want to be able to look back on those memories. Can you really rely on being tagged in someone else’ photos as the only record of the night?
London
The Royal Caledonian Ball
- Invitation only
- Early May
- London
A grand London night of Scottish tradition, drawing reelers from across the world
Affectionally known as ‘The Cally’, the Royal Caledonian Ball is believed to be the oldest continuous charity ball in the world. It is also one of the largest with over 800 attendees some years.
The Reel Thing
- Open to the public
- Late October
- London
Always full of great music from Supergrouse and The Red Hot Chili Pipers
London Reels Ball
- Open to the public
- Mid-February
- London
Fun, high energy, hugely social and close to Valentine’s Day…
St Andrews Ball
- Open to the public
- Late November
- London
White tie reeling in London, in the ‘off season’ and you can get a cab home quickly. Dreamy
International
The Royal Versailles Ball
- Invitation only (apply to the committee to become a host)
- Mid-May
- Paris
Back for second time, we hope this ball becomes a fixture. Guests arriving in kilts and ballgowns through the Royal Gate at Versailles was iconic
Final Remarks
It’s rather hard to do all the reeling balls in one year, with clashes of dates and geography not uncommon. This article from 1993 shows this is not a new problem.
Incidentally, if anyone has managed to do all of them, or even most of them, in a single season, please let us know. A Ballavimus McNab (patent pending) probably deserves a reeling diary.
Whenever you meet a ball secretary, thank them. The amount of volunteer work that goes into organising a ball is extraordinary. They are big events involving licences, catering, bands, insurance, dance cards and so on. They have earned all our gratitude.
Special mention go to the now legendary series of reeling balls that have been held in palaces across Europe, from Venice to Istanbul. Read all about them and regret you weren’t there in this article from The Scottish Field.
If you’ve read this far, you’re either already a reeler, or you’re well on your way. Reeling balls blur together in memory unless you capture them: the hall, the band, your partners, the dances that flew and the ones that didn’t.
Our Ballroom Diaries were designed specifically for reeling balls. They give every night its own place – keeping dance cards safe, memories vivid, and a lifetime of balls beautifully recorded.
FAQs
Not sure what to pack? Check out our series of blogs on what to pack if you’re going to a reeling ball. Our helpful checklists will take the stress out of packing.
Not sure how to use preserve the memories of a reeling ball? Check out our guide on how to keep a Ballroom Diary you’ll treasure forever.
Not sure how to finish your outfit? Check out our guide to Ladies Ballroom Accessories.
Not sure what to give your host at a reeling ball? Check out our gift guide for reelers.