Graduation FAQs FAQs When should I book my place for the Graduation Ceremony? 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 23 June 2022. Please note: 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. Do I have to wear a robe? Yes – you must hire or buy a robe from www.wippellgownhire.co.uk. What should I wear under the robe? Recommended dress for beneath the robes is a suit and tie for men and a plain dress or skirt/trouser suit for women. How many guests can I bring? Up to four guests may attend the ceremony. Please note, however, that due to restrictions on capacity, only two guests per student can attend the drinks reception. Do guests have tickets? Guests who attend the ceremony require wristbands and these will be issued together with any tickets booked for the drinks reception on arrival at the venue. What time should guests arrive? Guest should arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony. How much is my robe? To hire your hat, gown and hood, the cost of hire is £35. Where do I collect my robe? You should collect your robe from the Horseshoe Area of the Winter Gardens. Where do I return my robe? You should return your robe to the Horseshoe Area of the Winter Gardens. Please use the entrance closest to the Derham Lounge. What time should I arrive? Ceremony One – commences 12 noon Arrival (register, collect robe, photography): earliest 9.00 am, latest 11.15am Ceremony Two – commences 3.00pm Arrival (register, collect robe, photography): earliest 12 noon, latest 2.15pm Where is the venue? Winter Gardens Blackpool FY1 1HL Is there parking nearby? There is a choice of public car parks available near to the Winter Gardens. Are there arrangements for access? The Winter Gardens is equipped with a hearing loop and has wheelchair access. 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 and we will make appropriate arrangements. Will refreshments be available? You 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. Please note: you must book your tickets for the reception on your booking form. Is photography permitted at the ceremony? You can take photos, however please be mindful not to disrupt the speeches. When the procession begins and throughout the duration of the ceremony guests must be seated. I haven’t received my certificate? If you have any queries regarding your certificate, please contact the Achievements Office on T 01254 504177 or E exams@blackpool.ac.uk. Can I get a refund for my robe if I don’t attend the ceremony? If you order a robe that you subsequently do not use/need, your money will be refunded, provided you inform Wippells in writing within 30 days following the ceremony and include your request in a stamped self-addressed envelope. If you paid by credit card/debit card, the card number, expiry date and security- number recorded on the back of the card next to the signature will be required. For refunds by cheque Wippells will need to know who the cheque should be made payable to. The graduate's name, institution and date and time of ceremony will also be required. Wippells contact details are as follows: J. Wippell & Co. Ltd P.O. Box 1, 88 Buller Road Exeter, EX4 1DQ Tel: 01392 254234 Fax: 01392 250868 Email: info@wippellgownhire.co.uk