The Royal Caledonian Ball, an exclusive £265 a ticket Scottish dancing event attracting 700 guests fell apart earlier this month as the dance floor at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Mayfair did likewise.

Reportedly after only two of the fifteen dances had been performed gaps opened up in the dance floor panels, which had been laid over carpet. After unsuccessful efforts to close the gaps, with a “massive hammer” the floor was declared unsafe for dancing on and the event was abandoned.

It is not known how many guests will be demanding their money back from organisers the Royal Caledonian Charities Trust, nor how this will affect the charities looking forward to pocketing some financial benefit from the night.