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Congregation
Graduands in robes and hoods processing into Durham Cathedral

Guest Tickets

Parents embracing a graduating student

For Winter Congregation 2024, each student attending is able to request (and will be guaranteed) up to 2 tickets during registration. In addition, a limited number of extra tickets are available to request (again via the registration system) on a first come first served basis. Extra tickets will be limited to 2 per student and are not guaranteed.

If there are no extra tickets available, students can keep returning to the registration system to try requesting them, up until the closing date on 13 December 2023 (the system is live and tickets are often returned).

  • All tickets are available to order via the registration system which will open on 18 October.
  • Only students can request guest tickets.
  • All guests over the age of 2 must have a ticket to enter the Cathedral, graduands (students) do not require a ticket.
  • There is no charge for tickets.
  • Do not email the Ceremonies Unit to request extra tickets, they are only available via the registration system.

Everyone is welcome to come to the Teaching and Learning Centre to enjoy the activities in the Congregation Fair. Guests without tickets can watch a live stream of the ceremonies in the lecture theatre in the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Ticket Collection

Guests or graduands can collect tickets on the day of the ceremony (only tickets for that day's ceremonies will be available to collect) from the Guest Ticket Desk in the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Tickets can be collecting from the following times:

  • 10am ceremony from 7.45am
  • 12 noon ceremony from 9.45am
  • 3pm ceremony from 12 noon

Seating

Guests will be guided into seats by University marshals as they arrive in the Cathedral, seated from the front to the back on a first come, first served basis. The view of the stage from the Side Aisles is restricted due to the Cathedral architecture, however television monitors are installed throughout the Cathedral to enhance the viewing of the ceremony.

The ceremony is a formal occasion and can involve a lot of waiting around. Disruptions by small children can disturb the graduands and their guests. Please consider this before bringing a small child along. Children that require a seat will need a ticket, only babies (under 2 years old) can come without a ticket and must sit on guest's knees. The live stream of the ceremony in the Teaching and Learning Centre may be more comfortable for guests with small children, but please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.