SF Ball coming to Southampton

This year we are very excited to make our first trip to the famous SF Ball 6th – 8th Feb. We have heard so many exciting things about this event, from the cabaret, to the interaction with guests, not to mention those con dances! It’s a travesty on our part that we haven’t made until now.

Ball21Flier

Alas, with a little one and work commitments we are only able to attend for the Saturday but we can’t wait to soak up that Trek Atmosphere. Plus, hailing from Portsmouth, it’s now in our back yard, Southampton. The Shelbyville to our Springfield.

We had the privilege to talk to SFB events organiser B who kindly took the time to talk to us. Her passion and enthusiasm for the event is simply infectious. We could tell immediately that this is an event created with love.

Being Trekkies, we were keen to hear how this appeals fans like us. B described the events history with Star Trek;

B, and two friends from University – Anne Lindup and James Ash created the SF Ball as a place where fans could gather and share in their mutual love of the show. originally called the StarFleet Ball, it was exclusively for a Star Trek audience. It has widen its scope now but stays true to those beginnings and boasts a Star Trek guest star every year…for an incredible 21 years!

LeVar Burton and Nichelle Nichols at SF Ball 14
LeVar Burton and Nichelle Nichols at SF Ball 14

Sticking with the Star Trek ethos of philanthropy, the SF ball is a charity event, the organisers receive no fee. The event supports the Teenage Cancer Trust. This is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the six young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every day.

TCT-In-aid-of(200)

So what is there for Trekkies at the 21st SF Ball? This year we are honoured by the attendance of Robert Duncan McNeill (Tom Paris) and Manu Intiraymi (Icheb).

Also attending is the fine crew of the USS Riker’s Beard. (A horrible joke about Counsellor Troi comes to mind!). If you had the pleasure (?) of staying at the Customs House at the last couple of Destination Star Trek events, you may have encountered the crew and their mighty bearded Captain, James Dillion. They’ll be bringing along their sets, featuring a Transporter set, Captains chair and Ops Console. So have your cameras set to stunning!

rikersbeard

rbeard2

If you need anymore convincing that this is an awesome crew. Check out the ships registry: USS 5318008….

The Ball runs over three days of the weekend in the rather nice Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton. Gold Weekend passes have sold out but other tickets available here, starting from just £5.

Sadly we can’t make the evenings this year which is a shame because they sound so much fun. B tells us there is a ‘money can’t buy raffle’. For £1 a ticket you could win some super secret props that have been ‘acquired’ by crew and guests.

Most importantly of all, B tell us that the SF Ball is all about having fun. Which is exactly why we are going. We hope to see you there. If you need any advice on local information, feel free to tweet us!