Congratulations! You'll soon be graduating and celebrating your success. We hope you're getting excited for the big day!
Graduation will take place on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at Blackburn Cathedral.
Your ceremony, your day
On the day there will be three Graduation Ceremonies. The ceremony you attend depends on which course you have completed.
Ceremony schedules
Each Ceremony has the same set up, but the timings for everything are specific to each. Please view the schedule for your Ceremony and note the key times outlined:
Your invitation email and e-tickets will confirm which ceremony you are attending. You can also see a list of which courses attend which ceremony.
Gowning
One of the first things to do is get yourself looking the part! You can collect your cap and gown on the day well in advance of your ceremony, so we advise it's the first thing you do on the day.
This year, Gowning is at Blackburn Cathedral, within the Cathedral Crypt. College staff will be on hand to direct you to the expert staff from Ede & Ravenscroft who will help you with your gown, hood and cap.
Graduation photography
Professional Portrait photography
You will be able to get your professional portrait taken after your ceremony. The studio will be within The Curve at the College. These photos will be available at a later date.
Instant Graduation Ceremony photos!
You can get Graduation photos instantly with Ceremony Passport. With the Ceremony Passport app your stage photo, and any candid photos taken of you, will be ready for you in one place – instantly!
Follow the guide below and don’t miss a moment of your graduation day!
Before Graduation day:
- Download the Ceremony Passport app
- Take a quick selfie and follow the simple steps to set up your account
On the day:
- Ede & Ravenscroft's photographers will take care of the rest
- Your stage and candid photos will automatically appear in your account, ready to view, share, and download
- No waiting, no hassle - it’s the easiest way to save every moment of your special day
Get the app now!
Taking your own photos
You can of course take your own photographs! We encourage you and any guests to take photos of this memorable event. And if you share any images on social media, we’d love to see them and even repost them.
Please be mindful of everyone's experience, especially during Ceremonies.
Graduation Celebration
Following your ceremony, you are invited to attend a celebration with refreshments and entertainment. The afterparty will be held in The Curve, UCBC. All graduates, family and friends are welcome!
Your tickets
We are using digital e-tickets this year, both for your own graduate ticket and for guest tickets. These will be made available to you the week before Graduation.
Blackburn Cathedral
The Cathedral is a wonderful venue for Graduation. It will also host gowning as well as the graduation ceremonies.
Graduation ceremonies are non-religious events.
Address: Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn, BB1 5AA.
Parking
There is no parking available on site – either at Blackburn Cathedral or the College.
Public car parks are available, including the multi-storey on Fielden Street which is next to Blackburn Leisure Centre, a short walk to the Cathedral.
Guests – further information
Guest seating
Guests will be seated in a separate section to graduating students. But don't worry, they'll be cheering you on from there!
Guests are able to choose their own seats. They must be seated at least 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
Children at the ceremony
Please consider the length and formality of the graduation ceremonies, as they can be unsuitable for young children.
Children over 2 years old must have their own guest ticket and be accompanied by an adult guest. Children are not allowed to sit with graduating students, but we will aim to make accommodations where you are not able to make alternative arrangements. Please email us to discuss.
Access requirements
Accessing the platform with mobility issues
There is ramp access to the platform, however, please email us to let us know if you need any special requirements.
Email: graduation@blackburn.ac.uk
Ceremony livestreams
The ceremonies will be live streamed online. We will email you links to view your ceremony.
Livestreams will also be recorded and made available on YouTube after the event.
Graduation Celebration
There will be a celebration after the graduation ceremonies.
The afterparty will be held in The Curve, UCBC. All graduates, family and friends are welcome. Refreshments and entertainment will be waiting for you.
Dressing for the event
What to wear
Planning your outfit!
If you’re anything like us, you’ve no doubt already given some thought to what you will wear.
We’re sure everyone will bring their own style – whether you’re planning to go glam, play things down with simple chic, or represent your culture! Here are some useful tips whatever you’re planning to wear.
Appropriate for the occasion
Graduation is a formal occasion and graduands (i.e. graduating students) typically choose to wear smart clothes for their graduation ceremony.
Footwear
All graduands will form part of a procession around the Cathedral grounds, so bear this in mind when selecting your shoes.
Working with gowns and hoods
Gowns are open at the front, so what you are wearing will be on display. The hoods will be different colours depending which course and type you are graduating – but our robing company, Ede & Ravenscroft, will have the right one ready for you and your ceremony.
We recommend wearing a button-up front so that the gown and hood can be most easily fixed to your outfit, but all hoods can be secured without a button.
Hair and headwear
You’re know doubt familiar with the graduation cap (sometimes referred to as a ‘mortar board’). These come in a range of sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that fits. Take advice from the pros at Ede & Ravenscroft, and take care if you fling it in the air for a quintessential graduation photo!
Attendance dependent on results
Please note that registering your place in advance does not guarantee attendance at the ceremony. To take part, you must have successfully completed and passed your course. If you are unable to attend due to final results, you will be given a full refund.
Contact us
We want your Graduation to be a fantastic day. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the Graduation Team via email.
Email: graduation@blackburn.ac.uk
