Graduands will collect their robes and may wish to have professional photographs taken. We would recommend to visit photography after the ceremony as there may be large queues.
We recommend for guests to collect their tickets whilst graduands are getting robed due to queues. Guests are required to show their tickets as they enter the cathedral. If you do not have a ticket, you cannot enter the Cathedral. Live streaming is available for those without tickets at the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms, which is on the Bailey.
Any small belongings not required by the Graduand should be given to guests before gathering at the Castle for their procession. Large bags/ luggage should be stored at the Left Luggage area at Hatfield College as they are not permitted inside the Cathedral.
The Congregation Information Point will be located on the corner of Palace Green between the Cathedral and Music Department for general enquiries.
Graduands must report for the procession 1 hour and 15 minutes before the ceremony to be put into procession order. Access to Castle is for Graduands only.
They will process to the Cathedral approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony across Palace Green.
Guests with tickets will be directed from the Information Point on Palace Green, to the Galilee Chapel entrance of the Cathedral, approximately 45 minutes before the ceremony start time. Please be aware there is no shelter available on Palace Green.
When entering the Cathedral, you will be guided by University marshals to fill all seats from the front to the back, in the Nave and then in the Side Aisles. Ticket checks will take place to ensure you are attending the correct ceremony. Those without a ticket will not be authorised entry to the Cathedral.Guests wishing to sit together must arrive together. The view of the stage in the Side Aisles is restricted due to the Cathedral architecture, however television monitors with subtitles, are installed throughout the Cathedral to enhance the viewing of the ceremony.
Please see our Guest Accessibility and Special Arrangements page for more information on how we can support you on the day.
The ceremony lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The use of cameras and recording devices is not permitted during ceremonies and no flash photography is allowed inside the Cathedral.
The Vice-Chancellor (or representative) gives an opening speech.
The Dean of Durham (or representative) welcomes the University into the Cathedral.
Graduands are called to the stage individually. We ask you to applaud each group of Graduands rather than each individual Graduand.
At some ceremonies an honorary degree is awarded and a speech is given by a member of the University on the recipient's life and achievements.
Graduands then stand for the conferment of awards.
The Presiding Officer gives the closing speech.
You will be guided by University marshals to exit the Cathedral following the staff and graduate processions.
The Congregation Fair will be held on Palace Green with Alumni, catering, University merchandise, florist and photography and film stalls for students and guests to enjoy before and after the ceremony.
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