The Ceremony of Benefactors and Benefactors’ Feast

The Benefactors’ Feast is held annually to thank benefactors and celebrate philanthropy at Queens’.

The Feast is preceded by a special Ceremony in Chapel, where each benefactor is thanked individually by the President and Fellows of the College. This Ceremony forms part of the ancient Commemoration of Benefactors Service, which recognises donors, dating back to the foundation of the College.

We recognise donors who give £10,000 or more in the year preceding the annual Ceremony of Benefactors and Benefactors’ Feast by inviting them to this unique event, where they will be personally thanked by the President. (Please note the eligibility criteria changed 25 April 2026)

Please contact development@queens.cam.ac.uk further details.

Date: The event is scheduled for Friday 25th April 2025.

Timings: Benefactors will meet with the Praelector at 5:30pm in the OSCR in College, while tea will be served for guests in the Munro Room prior to the commencement of the Ceremony in chapel.

Carriages: the main Feast ends between 9:45pm-10:00pm but drinks in the OSCR go on after this. More information will be available closer to the time.

Parking and travelling by car: It will be possible for Benefactors to park in College for the event, upon request. Please note that there are traffic restrictions on Silver Street which now has a Bus Gate at its west end at the junction of Queen’s Road (the Backs), Sidgwick Avenue, and Newnham Road. Vehicles (other than buses and taxis) passing through the Bus Gate may incur a penalty charge of £60. To access the College by car, travel down Trumpington Street and turn left onto Silver Street. Please click here for more information.

Guests: Due to limited spaces, a guest should preferably be a spouse or partner.

Dress code: Black tie, with MA gowns and hoods (provided by the College if required) for members

Accommodation: Please enquire via alumnievents@queens.cam.ac.uk if you wish to stay in College. There is unfortunately limited availability in College that evening because of student residency, hence when that has filled we reccomend the following hotels:

• The Graduate Hotel (formerly known as The DoubleTree by Hilton), Mill Lane
• The Hilton Cambridge City Hotel, Downing Street
• The Møller Centre, Churchill Road
• Hotel du Vin, Trumpington Street
• The Varsity Hotel, off Bridge Street, near Magdalene
• The University Arms Hotel, Regent Street

Things to do in Cambridge during your stay:

• Punts: College punts can be booked free of charge via the Porters’ Lodge. Contact: porters@queens.cam.ac.uk or phone 01223 335500.
• Other punt providers (charged): Punt hire is also available through Scudamore’s Punting and Granta Moorings.
• Cambridge tours: Walking tours of Cambridge and the Colleges can be booked through the following Blue Badge Guide: Tony Rodgers via 07814 765151 or through his website