13TH AUGUST 2025 RINGWOOD, UK

Set in the grand halls of an ivy-clad manor, the Let Them Eat Cake Ball invites you to revel in a fusion night of regency elegance and Marie Antoinette-inspired extravagance.

Dance beneath the glow of gilded chandeliers as a string quartet fills the ballroom with renditions of your favorite pop songs and perfect your poise in regency style dance lessons before selecting a dance card and twirling away in true 18th-century fashion.

Venture beyond the ballroom to indulge in delightful pastimes. The library awaits those who wish to play like an 18th-century courtier, testing their wit over card and board games, while the manor gardens offer a leisurely round of games and the chance to promenade through the gardens. Or even head over to the letter writing station where paper and quill awaits you to pen a letter of love…or gossip?

Later watch as the string quartet makes way for a DJ, transforming the ballroom into a space of modern revelry with our favourite 21st-century hits.

Dress in your finest silks, powdered wigs, and embroidered waistcoats, or don your best ballgown and tiara. A night of romance, mischief, regency & rococo-inspired splendour awaits. 

  By: Burlison Photography
By: Adrian Wood

Somerley House, a Georgian-style stately home in Hampshire, England, was built around 1750 for Henry Thistlethwayte. In 1825, it was purchased by the 6th Earl of Normanton, whose family still owns it today. The estate spans 7,000 acres, features lavish interiors with fine art and antiques and was expanded during the Victorian era.

** Please note Somerley House is a private residence. Outside of events you can NOT visit

By: Robin Goodlad

Guests are expected to treat Somerley House and its grounds with the utmost care and respect. To ensure the safety and preservation of this historic estate:

  • Security will be present at all times to monitor the premises.

  • Large bags are not permitted (small purses only), and all guests may be subject to bag and personal checks upon entry and exit.

  • Any act of theft or damage to the property or its contents will result in immediate police involvement.

By attending, guests agree to follow these guidelines and help maintain the beauty and integrity of Somerley House for future visitors.

Our Venue Respect Policy

By: Burlison Photography

Satellite navigation can be very unreliable in this area where it often tries to take you up unmade roads many of which have locked gates mid-way along. Please follow the directions below. There is very limited parking available, we advise car shares or to take a taxi or uber from the town of Ringwood (5 minute drive).

From the A31 just past Ringwood take the B3081 towards Verwood & Alderholt. After approximately half a mile you will drive past Ashley Lodge on your right (a white cottage with a thatched roof). Continue straight ahead past this property and after about 500 metres you will come across a fork in the road. Take the RIGHT to Alderholt. Continue straight ahead for approximately two miles, past the Blue Haze Cattery, which is on your left. After approximately one mile and turn RIGHT into the Somerley Estate. There will be a large blue sign by the gates for ‘Somerley Estate’ and ‘Somerley Park Golf Club’. The black electric gates will open automatically upon approach, so no need to enter a code to gain entry. Follow the tarmac road, through the Golf Course, and then continue straight ahead following signs for ‘Somerley House - Strictly Private’. This road will take you to the front of Somerley House. 

By: Deborah Grace Photography
 

18TH & 19TH CENTURY GAMES

Tired of dancing? visit the games station where you can learn to play 18th & 19th century games like the courtesans did - but no gambling away your fortunes!

A 21ST CENTURY DJ

In between string sets and after our quartet departs, a DJ will take us into the night (or rather 10pm, we cannot keep the lord & lady of the manor up)

REGENCY DANCE LESSONS

At the beginning of the program a dance teacher will teach attendees simple regency dances - this is a great way to break the ice!

CALLIGRAPHY STATION

The calligraphy station has pens, ink pots and paper for you to practise your penmanship. Write a letter for a lover - or gossip about the going ons of the ball.

STRING QUARTET

A string quartet is a group of musicians usually made up of violins, violas, and cellos but this varies. They will play renditions of our favourite pop songs.

A FOOD STATION

Catering will consist of a grazing table containing sweet treats and afternoon tea style finger foods. One glass of prosecco (or non alcoholic fizz) and water is included. There will be a cash bar.

Vicount / Vicountess

STANDARD TICKET £135 + ticket site processing fees

  • Entry to the ball from 18:00 - 22:00

  • Group regency dance lessons

  • Access to the games station

  • Access to the calligraphy station

  • Food grazing station

  • One glass of prosecco or non alcoholic bubbly on arrival

Marquis / Marquise

VIP TICKET £205 + ticket site processing fees

  • Entry to the ball from 18:00 - 22:00

  • Group regency dance lessons

  • Access to the games station

  • Access to the calligraphy station

  • Food grazing station

  • One glass of prosecco or non alcoholic bubbly on arrival

  • Goodie bag**

  • 2x drinks tokens for the bar

Duke / Duchess

VIP PLUS TICKET £295 + ticket site processing fees

  • Entry to the ball from 18:00 - 22:00

  • Group regency dance lessons

  • Access to the games station

  • Access to the calligraphy station

  • Food grazing station

  • One glass of prosecco or non alcoholic bubbly on arrival

  • Goodie bag**

  • Unlimited drinks*** (bar staff reserve the right to stop serving you if you appear overly intoxicated)

**What is in the Goodie bag?

In our goodie bags you’ll find a mix of sweet treats like Marie Antoinette would have enjoyed, vintage teas, a quill pen & beautiful paper stationery set, scented lip balm and more surprises!

Coach transfers from London & Manchester will also be available to purchase at an additional price, details coming soon!
*** Unlimited drinks are for the ticket holder ONLY (not to be shared amongst other guests) - this will be monitored by bar staff and there will be a strict one drink at a time policy. Anyone found to be breaking this rule will be removed from the premises immediately and no refund offered.

Check out our inspiration board on pinterest here

 FAQs

  • This is a strictly 18+ event. 

  • Tickets are non refundable unless the event is cancelled by us. You may resell your ticket on Tixel.

  • We will begin checking tickets at 17:30.

  • 13th August 2025, from 18:00 - 22:00 at Somerley House in Ringwood.

  • You can see the dress code on our pinterest.

  • Tickets will be available to purchase on the 2nd March 2025 from 18:00 London time.

  • Yes, professional photographers and videographers will be capturing the event. Guests may also take personal photos, but please be respectful of others' privacy.  

  • There is very limited parking available. Coach transfers will be available at an extra charge from London & Manchester. Rideshare services and taxi's are also recommended from Bournemouth and Portsmouth (the closest cities) and Ringwood (closest town).

  • The venue is not accessible friendly for those with mobility disabilities due to stairs and uneven flooring. Please email us for more details if you have a disability.

  • This is a strictly 18+ event . 

  • No outside food or drinks are permitted.  

  • Yes! You may be asked for ID at any time. Photocopies and pictures of IDs will not be accepted and will result in refused entry. We recommend these forms of identification listed below: 

    • A passport

    • A photo drivers licence

    • A provisional driver’s license

  • We will do our best to cater for dietaries but we advise you eat a full meal prior to the ball as only a grazing table will be provided, not a full meal.

  • No, changing at the venue is not allowed, you must arrive fully dressed for the event.

  • There will be a grace period of 45 minutes for lateness, but the event ends at 22:00 on the dot.

    If you are suddenly unable to attend on the day, tickets are non-refundable unless we cancel.

  • These are the closest hotels to the Venue:

    Tyrrells Park

    Petherton Cottage Studios

    Burley Manor

    St Leonards Hotel

    High Corner Inn

    For the nearest cities to stay in, we recommend Bournemouth (20 minutes away) and Southampton (30 minutes away)

  • You can find them here

  • Only small handbags and purses are allowed, large bags and suitcases are not.

    All bags may be subject to a bag check.

  • Email us at info@musemeetups.co.uk