Invites and tickets – further information
Invitations
You will receive your invite via post and email. If you have changed your postal address or email since you started your course, please email us to let us know.
Email us at: graduation@blackburn.ac.uk
Tickets
We are using digital e-tickets this year, both for your own graduate ticket and for guest tickets. These will be available to you after you have received your degree results.
Guest tickets
Guest tickets are limited, but you are guaranteed at least two guest tickets. We will contact you with dates of when any remaining guest tickets will be available to book.
A guest ticket will cost £12.50 for each guest you would like to invite to the ceremony. Please note, children over 2 years old must have their own guest ticket and be accompanied by an adult guest.
You will purchase your guest tickets at the same time as you purchase your gown hire and photography package.
Ticket confirmation
Once you have purchased your ticket/s, you will receive confirmation email of payment with a reference number.
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.
Gowns and photography – further information
Ordering your gown
You must book your gown hire online as part of your registration. The deadline for this is Tuesday 15 September 2026, when registration closes.
- Registration and gown hire
Collecting your gown
Gowning will take place at Blackburn Cathedral, within The Crypt. College staff and clear signage will be on hand to direct you.
On the day of Graduation you will need to arrive ready for gowning. There is no space available to change clothes etc. Gowning will open for 2.5 hours in advance of each ceremony. This is so you can get your gown fitted, and then have professional photography taken if you wish.
Professional graduation photographs
Professional graduation photography will also take place at the Cathedral.
On the day of Graduation you will need to arrive ready for gowning. Photography will open before each ceremony for 2.5 hours. This is so you can get your gown, and then have your professional photography taken if you wish.
Taking your own photographs
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.
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!
