Graduation 2024 Our 2024 graduation ceremonies will take place at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, on Thursday 4 July 2024. Graduation GalleryThe following video gives a real sense of what our graduation ceremonies are all about – a time to celebrate your hard-earned achievement and focus on the next exciting phase of your life. Your Invitation Invitations to the ceremonies will be sent out via Royal Mail and email w/c 6 May 2024.If you have not received an invitation by Friday 17 May, or have any questions that are not answered on this page, please email graduation@blackpool.ac.uk. Graduation FAQs Ceremony dates and times... The graduation ceremonies will take place on Thursday 6 July 2023 for graduands in the Empress Ballroom of Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.Which ceremony you attend depends on which curriculum area you belong to – we’ve outlined below which curriculum area will be graduating at which time. Ceremony One – (12 noon)The ceremony starts at 12 noon. (You and your guests must be seated in the Empress Ballroom 20 minutes before the ceremony commences) ConstructionHNC Construction and the Built Environment Digital and Creative InnovationsBA (Hons) ActingBA (Hons) Commercial IllustrationBA (Hons) Fashion DesignBA (Hons) Fashion Design (Contemporary Costume)BA (Hons) FilmmakingBA (Hons) Fine Art Professional PracticeBA (Hons) Degree Graphic DesignBA (Hons) Musical TheatreBA (Hons) PhotographyBSc (Hons) Computer Science and Digital TechnologiesBSc (Hons) Network Engineering (Cyber Security)BSc (Hons) Network Engineering (Systems Administration)BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development)BSc (Hons) Web Technologies and Digital MediaCertificate of Higher Education ActingCertificate of Higher Education PhotographyFoundation Degree Computer Science and Digital TechnologiesFoundation Degree Network Engineering (Cyber Security)Foundation Degree Network Engineering (Systems Administration)Foundation Degree Software Engineering (Game Development)Foundation Degree Web Technologies and Digital MediaHNC Arts & Design (Arts Practice)HNC Arts & Design (Fashion, Textiles and Costume)HNC Arts & Design (Graphic Design & Illustration)HNC Arts & Design (Photography)HNC Music (Technology)HND Music (Sound Design) EngineeringBEng (Hons) Automotive and Motorsport Engineering TechnologyBEng (Hons) Engineering (Aerospace Engineering)BEng (Hons) Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)BEng (Hons) Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)BEng (Hons) Engineering (Mechatronics Engineering)BEng (Hons) Engineering (Robotics and Automation Engineering)BSc (Hons) Project ManagementCertificate of Higher Education Automotive and Motorsport Engineering TechnologyFoundation Degree Automotive and Motorsport Engineering TechnologyFoundation Degree Project ManagementHNC Engineering (Aeronautical Engineering)HNC Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)HNC Engineering (General Engineering)HNC Engineering (Manufacturing Engineering)HNC Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) Click on the links below to do the following:Book your tickets for Ceremony oneBook your gowns and photography Closing date: Friday 21 June 2024 Ceremony Two – (3pm)The ceremony starts at 3pm. (You and your guests must be seated in the Empress Ballroom 20 minutes before the ceremony commences) Health, Education and ScienceBA (Hons) Adult Health and Social CareBA (Hons) Children, Young People and FamiliesBA (Hons) Early Childhood StudiesBA (Hons) Health and Social CareBA (Hons) Teaching and Learning SupportBSc (Hons) Marine BiologyBSc (Hons) Human BiosciencesCertificate of Higher Education Children, Young People and FamiliesDiploma in Education and TrainingFoundation Degree Children, Young People and FamiliesFoundation Degree Early Childhood StudiesFoundation Degree Health and Social CareFoundation Degree Human BiosciencesFoundation Degree Marine BiologyFoundation Degree Mental Health and ResilienceFoundation Degree Teaching and Learning SupportPost Graduate Certificate in Education Leadership, Management and LifestyleBA (Hons) Business Management (Financial Management)BA (Hons) Business Management (Human Resource Management)BA (Hons) Business Management (Leadership)BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal JusticeBA (Hons) English: Language, Literature and WritingBA (Hons) Hospitality and Events ManagementBA (Hons) Professional Policing (Pre-join)BA (Hons) Tourism ManagementBSc (Hons) Physical Activity, Health and NutritionBSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance ScienceCertificate of Higher Education Business ManagementCertificate of Higher Education Criminology and Criminal JusticeDiploma in Management and LeadershipDiploma in People ManagementFoundation Degree Business Management (Digital Marketing)Foundation Degree Business Management (Financial Management)Foundation Degree Business Management (Human Resource Management)Foundation Degree Business Management (Leadership)Foundation Degree Criminology and Criminal JusticeFoundation Degree Physical Activity, Health and NutritionFoundation Degree Sports Coaching and Performance ScienceHNC Hospitality ManagementHNC Physical Activity, Health and LeadershipProfessional Diploma in Accounting Click on the links below to do the following:Book your tickets for Ceremony twoBook your gowns and photography Closing date: Friday 21 June 2024 Please note: We cannot guarantee a place for you and your guests if you have not completed the booking form and requested your robe and photography by Friday 21 June 2024.If you are in any doubt as to which ceremony you should attend, please contact the Event Organiser on graduation@blackpool.ac.uk. What to do now The ceremonies are always extremely successful and enjoyable events.To make sure everything goes smoothly we’ve put together the following checklist of things you need to be aware of and action before the event takes place. See below. Secure your place...We cannot guarantee a place for you and your guests if you have not completed the booking form and requested your robe by Friday 21 June 2024. Please find below the links you will require: Book your tickets for Ceremony oneBook your tickets for Ceremony twoBook your gowns and photography Please email graduation@blackpool.ac.uk if you have not received your invitation by Friday 17 May 2024.If you do not collect your robe on the day, you can request a refund for your robe hire for up to 30 days after the event.When you check-in on the day all your guests will be issued with a wristband. We will only issue the number of wristbands you have requested on your booking form. If you bring extra guests on the day they will not be permitted access to the venue. Event OrganiserMarketing OfficeBlackpool and The Fylde CollegeAshfield RoadBisphamBlackpoolFY2 0HB GuestsDue to the capacity of the venue, each awards recipient is allowed to bring up to four guests. Under exceptional circumstances we will consider requests for further guests, subject to availability.Once ticket reservations close on Friday 21 June, we will review guest numbers and should the venue have capacity, release additional tickets on a first come, first served basis. Drinks receptionAfter the ceremony, you and up to two guests are invited to join the College Principal and staff for a celebratory drinks reception in St John’s Church, Church Street, Blackpool (opposite the Winter Gardens).Please note: If you invite three or four guests to the ceremony, only two of these will be able to attend the Drinks Reception due to limited capacity at the venue. Entry is by ticket only and tickets are allocated on a first come first served basis.It is essential you confirm your attendance when booking your ceremony tickets. Disabilities, access requirements or reasonable adjustments For awards recipients or guests with disabilities, access requirements or who need reasonable adjustments, please contact the Event Organiser on graduation@blackpool.ac.uk to enable us to make the necessary arrangements for you.Examples of the assistance we can provide include, but aren't limited to, wheelchair access, access to a signer, early entrance to the Ballroom, space for a pushchair, use of a lift. Whatever your requirements, we are here to help. Robe hireThe ceremony is a formal occasion and as such you are required to wear full academic gowns, which you will need to obtain yourself.You will need to place your order by Friday 21 June 2024.Book your gowns Payment can be made with any major credit or debit card, Paypal and Applie and Google Play. You will receive a confirmation email for both your order and payment. Do not worry about ordering your robe early, as a charge will only be made for gowns actually used. If you hire a gown and do not pass your qualification by 5 July 2024, Graduation Attire will refund your gown hire cost within 10 days of the graduation date.When ordering your robes you will need to have the following details ready: Your heightYour chest measurementYour hat size (circumference of head just above your ears)The date of your ceremonyThe time of your ceremonyYour qualificationYour student numberMethod of paymentRecommended dress beneath the robes is a suit and tie for men and a plain dress or skirt/trouser suit for women. PhotographyThe official photographers on the day will be Graduate Attire, you can book your photography package and time slot using the link below.Book your photography Get socialDon't forget to add yourself to our Facebook Graduation for the latest information and updates leading up to Graduation. We will also post photos and videos from the day for you to download for free after the event.If you use Twitter or Instagram, be sure to use our Graduation hashtags so we can share your special moment: #bfcgrad. Click on this Instagram link and you can add a dedicated filter to your Instagram post. Gifts and mementoesWe have a wide range of university gifts and mementoes. They are available to purchase at our awards ceremonies and to order all year round. Visit Campus Clothing to see the full range.Campus Clothing now offers a click and collect service, allowing you to pre-order your items and collect them for free at the ceremony. What to do on the day... The College operates a strict wristband entry system.The wristbands will allow you and your guests to move freely in and out of the Winter Gardens. Therefore you are required to bring your booking confirmation to the Winter Gardens entrance on St John’s Square so that you and your guests can be allocated wristbands.Your booking confirmation and tickets will be sent from Eventbrite to the email address you used when you booked your graduation tickets, along with tickets for the drinks reception if you have ordered them.Please note: As part of standard security arrangements for any large event, whilst modest-sized handbags are permitted, anyone bringing a rucksack or larger bag to the event will not be admitted. Ceremony One – commences 12 noonArrival (register, collect robes, photography) - earliest 9.00 am, latest 11.15amCollect wristbandsDoors to the Empress Ballroom open at 11.30amRecipients and guests must take their seats promptly at 11.40amCeremony begins at 12 noonCeremony Two – commences 3.00pmArrival (register, collect robes, photography) - earliest 12 noon, latest 2.15pmCollect wristbandsDoors to the Empress Ballroom open at 2.30pmRecipients and guests must take their seats promptly at 2.40pmCeremony begins at 3.00pm Registering your arrivalAward recipients must arrive between the times stated above. Go first to the registration desk situated in the Winter Gardens: you will then be directed towards the robing room located in the Horseshoe Area of the Winter Gardens.Award recipients are seated in reserved blocks in the centre of the Empress Ballroom. You may take your seats from the time that the auditorium doors open but you must be seated by 11.40am for ceremony one and by 2.40pm for ceremony two.It will assist stewards if you remain seated once you have taken your place. It may not be possible for you to take part in the ceremony if you arrive after it has started. RobesGraduation Attire will be located in the Horseshoe Area of the Winter Gardens. As the robing area can get busy about 45 minutes before each ceremony, we recommend that you collect your robe as soon as possible after registration.Pins are provided to secure your hood, either at the shoulders or by the loop at the front. You may find it useful to wear a buttoned shirt or top so that the loop can fit over the button. Hair grips also help to secure the mortar board.It is requested that guests do not enter the robing area to minimise congestion in the Horseshoe Area of the Winter Gardens.After the drinks reception in St John’s Church robes should be returned before 5.30pm to the Horseshoe area. GuestsOn your arrival at the Winter Gardens, your guests will be asked to wait for you in the Floral Hall.Guests do not have numbered seats and are permitted to sit anywhere except for the recipients’ block in the centre of the Empress Ballroom and a few reserved seats for guests with disabilities/special requirements. What happens if I arrive late?We ask that you arrive in good time, as we cannot delay the start of the ceremony. Those arriving after 11.15am for the morning ceremony or after 2.15pm for the afternoon ceremony will be considered late and will normally be called at the end of the ceremony, rather than with their cohorts.Alternatively, they may not be able to participate. RefreshmentsYou will be able to purchase light refreshments such as tea, coffee, soft drinks and sandwiches from the Mazzei Café situated in the Floral Hall. Additionally, there will be a celebratory reception where you and a maximum of two guests will be served a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or orange juice and a selection of canapés.Yyou must book your tickets for the celebratory reception when you book your tickets for Graduation. Gifts and mementoesA range of gifts and mementoes will be available to buy on the day in the Ballroom Foyer. To find out what is available and/or to pre-order items for collection at the event, visit Campus Clothing The ceremony... What happens during the ceremony?Award recipients are seated in the Empress Ballroom alphabetically in curriculum area and course order. Guests sit separately.A steward will ask you to stand and will direct you to the edge of the ballroom, where you will be directed to the side of the stage. You will be called across the stage in formal acknowledgement of your achievement, shake hands with the Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University and your scroll will be handed to you.As you leave the stage, stewards will guide you back to your seat. It is difficult to estimate, but we would expect the ceremony to last about an hour and a quarter. Once you are seated you are not normally permitted to leave the auditorium.Once everyone has received their scrolls, you will be asked to stand and your awards will be conferred by the Vice-Chancellor.Once the ceremony is over, you and your two nominated guests may then attend the celebration drinks reception.Entry to the drinks reception is by ticket only. ConductThe ceremony is a wonderful celebration to be enjoyed by recipients and their guests. Aggressive or abusive behaviour is unacceptable and anyone behaving in this way will be asked to leave the ceremony. Personal belongingsWe recommend that graduands and guests don’t leave their personal belongings unattended in any part of the Winter Gardens complex. Mobile phonesPlease ensure your mobile phone is switched off during the ceremony. Students and guests with disabilities If you or your guests have any special access requirements please indicate this when booking your tickets.Alternatively, you can contact us and we can discuss your requirements further.Email: graduation@blackpool.ac.uk Access and facilities The Winter Gardens is equipped with a hearing loop and has wheelchair access. The ceremonies will be signed in BSL. The awards platform is accessed via a ramp.If you have a disability or access requirement that would make access to the platform difficult then let us know beforehand and we will make appropriate arrangements. Assistance on the day For graduands and guests with disabilities, access requirements or who need a reasonable adjustment, assistance will be available at our Event Access reception desk.When you first enter the Winter Gardens, please ask at the registration point and someone will be able to direct you to where this situated. If you complete the Disability, access requirement or reasonable adjustment section of the booking form you will need to check in here. Useful Information... Getting hereThe graduation ceremonies will take place at:The Winter Gardens, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL.The venue is easily accessible by a variety of means:By road – There are direct motorway links (M55/M6/M62) across the country and express coach services connecting many UK towns and cities.By rail – Blackpool benefits from an excellent rail network linking Scotland, Yorkshire, the Midlands and South East. For up-to-date information on times, prices and journey disruptions, visit National Rail.By air – Manchester Airport is only an hour’s drive away. Where to parkThere is no car parking facility at the Winter Gardens itself. However, there are numerous public car parks located in and around the town centre.Go to Visit Blackpool for more information on where to park in Blackpool. Where to stayIf you need somewhere to stay, Blackpool offers a range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget. Choose from cosy B&Bs with their famed friendly landladies to elegant four-star hotels.Go to Visit Blackpool for more information on where to stay in Blackpool. Contacts...If you have any queries regarding your certificate, please contact the Achievements Office.Call: 01253 504177Email: exams@blackpool.ac.uk Ceremony AdministrationEmail: graduation@blackpool.ac.uk Graduation Attire - Robe and Photography BookingsGraduation Attire website Campus Clothing (personalised clothing is available)Call: 0333 403474Campus Clothing website Graduation FAQs Have questions? See if the answer is in our FAQs, if not, email graduation@blackpool.ac.uk. Graduation FAQs page Use of personal data... As part of accepting the invitation to the graduation ceremony you and your guests need to be aware that official photographers will be taking photographs and videoing during the ceremony and around the venue on the day. These photographs and videos are likely to be used for promotional purposes by the College.Please confirm that you have read and understand the statement about the use of personal data by the College. STATEMENT ABOUT THE USE OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA:Blackpool and The Fylde College graduation ceremonies are significant events for our graduates, their guests and our staff. These ceremonies are public events and therefore there is no expectation of privacy under data protection legislation for any attendees.This statement explains how personal data will be processed for and during the event, and provides guidance should you not wish your personal data to be processed in this way. This applies to all students who are intending to graduate or may be eligible for an award, whether they attend a ceremony or not. Please note the following important information and ensure your invited guests are also aware of the information relevant to them:The information you provided on Eventbrite for booking your place at Graduation will be used to process your booking. The information collected will include your name, contact details and accessibility information. If different to our existing records, the contact details you provide on Eventbrite will also be used to update your details on our student record system and to contact you about the Graduate Outcomes Survey. This national survey will be sent to you 15 months after you graduate by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Your responses will help current and future students gain an insight into career destinations and will also help B&FC evaluate and promote its coursesYour name will appear in the Graduation programme. If you do not want your name included for this purpose you must tell us be emailing graduation@blackpool.ac.ukIf you graduate in person your name and award title will be read out at the ceremony immediately prior to you walking across the stage.Your photograph will be taken whilst receiving your ‘scroll’.Crowd shots will be taken by the University photographers at the venue and at our graduation receptions and these may include images of you and your guests.Your consent will be sought for smaller group or individual photographs prior to these being taken. If you do not wish to be photographed, you should tell the photographer before the photo is taken.Live film feed will be used to project the ceremonies on to a back screen on stage and this will be streamed externally.Videos of the ceremonies may be produced and screened at relevant post-graduation receptions and, at a later date, will be made available for viewing from the College’s website and social media platforms.Video interviews of our honorary graduands and other VIPs or film of the event generally may be produced. If you do not wish to appear on film, you should maintain your distance from any filming that may take place.Appropriate photographs and films of these events may be used to promote the activities of Blackpool and The Fylde College and these may appear in any of our promotional materials, in printed or electronic format, including worldwide web, multimedia productions, course leaflets or prospectuses.If you have any queries or concerns about the use of your personal data for/at our Graduation ceremonies or if you do not wish your data to be used as described above, please email graduation@blackpool.ac.uk. Scroll to Top