Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner is a separate ticketed event. Places are limited to 148 and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of online registration.
Date: 9th December 2026
Location: Merton College, Oxford
Duration: TBC
Price: TBC
Capacity: 148 delegates
The Venue
Founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton—former Chancellor of England and later Bishop of Rochester—Merton College was the first fully self-governing college in the University of Oxford. It includes one of Europe's oldest continuously operating academic libraries, serving scholars and students for more than six centuries.
Merton Chapel, which will host a pre-dinner drinks reception, is home to one of England's finest surviving pre-Reformation lecterns, presented to the College in 1504, as well as a striking screen designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1673.
The Great Hall, where dinner will be served, is one of Merton’ s oldest and most significant buildings, completed before 1277 and recognised as the oldest surviving college hall in Oxford. It retains elements of its medieval origins, including its remarkable 13th-century wrought iron door.
Merton College is located in the city centre, close to the meeting venue and most accommodation options.
The dinner
At registration you will be able to select either a meat or vegetarian/vegan option, along with a choice of drink option (wine / soft drink e.g., elderflower / water). There will also be the opportunity to register dietary restrictions on registration.
Venue accessibility
A platform lift provides step-free access from Front Quad to the Great Hall and the rooms beyond.
Within the Great Hall, the tables are fixed in place, but movable chairs can be rearranged to create spaces for wheelchair users. The top table is situated on a raised stage and can be accessed using a temporary ramp when required.
The Chapel is reached by passing through the college on a level flagstone pathway. Inside the Chapel, there is a change in level between the entrance area and the main vestibule, which is accessible via a ramp.
If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the Annual Dinner venue, please e-mail the meeting organisers annualmeeting2026@palass.org.