Trinity Hall has closed its dining hall after part of the ceiling collapsed, leading to the cancellation of formal halls and the relocation of the halfway hall.

On Tuesday (18/02), students were informed by the college’s Junior Bursar that “a section of cornice between two beams has fallen”, meaning that events planned in the hall will “be located elsewhere or cancelled” until “further notice”.

Fiona Simon, Head of Catering at Tit Hall, stated: “We will need to cancel Formal Hall on Thursday and most likely Sunday’s Formal Hall too”.

Following this, there were concerns over the cancellation of the halfway hall, due to take place on Friday (21/02). Halfway hall is a formal hall that marks the midway point in students’ time at Cambridge, and is seen as a highlight of second year for many students.

The college’s JCR Presidents stated: “Us and the Freps [Freshers Representative] will make sure there is definitely something on Friday, even if it is not what was originally planned”.

Varsity understands that halfway hall will still take place but in two separate places: the Lesley Stephen room and the Graham Story Room.

The college assured students that “no one was injured, although a staff member was in the vicinity at the time.” A structural review is now underway to assess the safety of the remaining cornices in the hall.

One student told Varsity: “there appeared to be significant amount of damage to the ceiling with lots of rubble on the dining table”. They added: “We’re very glad the [halfway] formal is still going ahead.”

Another student said that “eating in hall is an integral part of the Tit Hall community experience” which reduces feelings of isolation, particularly when “there are no other communal dining areas for those living on the main site.”

Last February, Trinity College closed its dining hall for a month and suspended formal events, including the halfway hall, after concerns were raised about the state of the Hall's ceiling plaster, forcing a sudden shutdown for safety.

A spokesperson for Trinity Hall said: “The College is keeping its community closely informed as to the duration of the withdrawal from use and the timing of repairs.”

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