Cambridge’s annual pre-exams piss-up took place yesterday on Jesus Green. Controversial, incident-prone and easy fodder for the Daily Mail, Caesarian Sunday is known for dragging the University’s name through the mud.

Traditionally associated with drinking society initiations, the day hit the headlines last year for the now infamous incident of a boy dressed as a sheep being set on fire. It is perhaps understandable that this year was approached with some trepidation, with John’s warning students of possible exclusion for participation, and Cambridge City Council threatening to ban the event in future.

“One girl appropriately had ‘Fuck the Daily Mail’ written on her back, and a boy turned up in a completely golden suit”

Fortunately (or unfortunately for the prowling tabloid journalists whose only scoop of the day was some people urinating in public), yesterday’s event passed without incident. Surprisingly, for an event combining students and alcohol, the atmosphere was placid and innocent.

Prosecco corks and rugby balls – but thankfully no other balls, we all know what a standard Cantab swap has to offer – flew through the air. Students seemed to have put lots of thought into their outfits, with one girl appropriately having ‘Fuck the Daily Mail’ written on her back, and a boy turning up in a completely golden suit. Other get-ups included an abundance of red chinos, drinking society blazers, and lots of bright face-paint.

Cambridge’s authorities were well prepared, with Sainsbury’s having a special display of disposable cups set up in anticipation, while a police squadron was out in the field. Violet approached both of them for comment, and they said no trouble was expected.

“It’s usually a peaceful event. The incident last year was an exception,” an officer responded. When prompted on the council’s warning that any trouble this year would lead to a permanent ban on the event, he replied, “That would be a matter for the council, not the police. As we said, we’re not expecting anything to happen.”

Despite the drinking society initiations clearly taking place, including wrestling and drinking games being conducted via loudspeaker, the chaos was well-contained. Owen Jack, a first year History student at Pembroke said, “It feels like my primary school fête!”, although perhaps he had not caught sight of some of the more unfortunate students being held down while beer was poured into their throats through a funnel.

Attendees of the event seemed similarly satisfied with the relatively tranquil atmosphere. Keir Murison of CUSU presidential election-fame commented, “I’m having one beer and then going back to the library to do some evolution problems. I hope it doesn’t get too out of hand. If it does, then the police will do what they need to do.”

“Drinking societies dressed up like twats, exemplifying the Cambridge spirit. What more could you want?”

However, some were less impressed with the relaxed vibe, clearly expecting the kind of scandal and salacious gossip that gives Caesarian Sunday its infamous reputation. “It’s just kinda dead,” commented Kate Goodrum, a first year Land Economist.

Visitors disagreed, with Jamie Stovin-Bradford, a gap-year student from Wiltshire, commenting, “I cracked open my first Guinness [with the boys] at 8.30am and have been drinking ever since. It’s been a sound day. No complaints.” Similarly impressed was Johanna, a first year HSPS student from Queen’s, who said, “What a day. What a life this is. Drinking societies dressed up like twats, exemplifying the Cambridge spirit. What more could you want?”

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When Violet asked political campaigner Josh Jackson to comment on proceedings, he said, “I am always available for comment.”

The spirit of the day was summed up eloquently by a Pembroke NatSci, who said, “Moments like this are what make Cambridge special. You don’t always realise it when your head is stuck in a book. But we’re actually in such an exceptional, beautiful place, like nowhere else in the world.”

By 5pm, with the aroma of barbecues and cheap beer filling the air, and the sound of R Kelly’s ‘Ignition Remix’ blasting from a loudspeaker somewhere amongst the crowd, it was difficult to disagree