[1] Commemoration Week is so known because of the ceremonies in commemoration of the benefactors of the university that are held then, namely the Commemoration Day sermon formerly held (until 2006) on the Sunday, and the Encaenia ceremony (where the annual Creweian Oration in honour of benefactors is given) and garden party on the Wednesday of that week.
Merton College holds a triennial winter ball.
With many colleges now holding smaller annual summer balls, Commemoration balls are now held by only some of the larger colleges, who still follow the traditional triennial cycle.
However Magdalen College cancelled their ball in 2015 at the last minute downgrading to a smaller affair.
[6] Commemoration ball organising committees generally seek to secure private performances from leading entertainers; some notable performances are listed below.