STUDENTS graduating from the University of Worcester are angry they will not be having an end-of-year ball to celebrate their achievements.

The annual graduation ball has been cancelled by organisers the Students’ Union after last year’s event made a loss because of poor attendance.

However, students due to graduate next week say it is unfair and they were not given any notice of the cancellation.

A 25-year-old health studies student, who does not wish to be named as she fears she will be banned from the union’s bar, called The Dive, said: “I have been at this university for four years and watched every other year be able to celebrate. Now we feel a bit cheated that we don’t have one too.

“We are really angry and upset about it. We have spent a lot of money at the SU. We want to go out with our mates and celebrate the last few years with them and get to dress up.”

Another 21-year-old graduate in social welfare said: “You only graduate once in your life. Now we won’t get to see people who live all over the country. We will try to organise a little something but it won’t be on a big scale.”

David Antell, president of Worcester Students’ Union, said the decision was taken to cancel the ball following feedback from students after last year’s event. The Dive will be opened after next week’s graduations instead.

“The graduation ball has been poorly attended in recent years and, as a result, the Students’ Union has made a loss,” he said.

“We are a charity and we have to manage our finances carefully to ensure we are getting the best value for our members.

“The university also holds three days of graduation ceremonies so that students can celebrate their successes.

“I’m sorry that these particular students are unhappy with the arrangements, but I hope they will join us at the Dive Bar to celebrate their graduation.”