Bridgewater Hall, Manchester - MC26C

Thursday 15 October 2026 (am) 

*Booking will open on Tuesday 28 July 2026*

This page was last updated 01 December 2025. The final version will be posted 2-3 weeks before the ceremony.

Arrival and registration

The Bridgewater Hall doors will be open for entry from 08:30. 

Upon arrival, please head to the Registration desks on the ground floor foyer to collect your tickets, presentation card and souvenir programmes. An information sheet, which includes a map of the venue is available to download here. 

Where guest tickets are available to purchase on the day, please go to the Enquiries Desk to make payment by credit/debit card. We are unable to accept cash. All tickets are subject to availability and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. 

If you have any questions on the ceremony day, the staff at the Registration and Enquiry desks will be pleased to help you.

Academic Dress

If you have chosen to wear academic dress for your ceremony, you can collect this from the Charles Hallé Room on the ground floor once you have registered. Collection will be open from 08:30 and all hired items should be returned by 13:00 in the Charles Hallé Foyer.

For details on Open University academic dress, including how to pre-order from our approved supplier, please see ‘Preparing for your ceremony’

Photography

The photography studios are located in the Barbirolli Room on level 2 and will be open from 08:30. The service will also be available for a short time after the ceremony. Please be advised that there may be queues, so allow yourself plenty of time.

A photograph will also be taken of you when you cross the stage. This photograph will be available to purchase after the ceremony from the sales desk in the ground floor foyer and online at www.edeandravenscroft.com

For further details on the photography services available on your ceremony day, including how to pre-book, please see ‘Preparing for your ceremony’

The ceremony

The doors to the auditorium will open at 09:45, and the musical program will start. You and your guests should be seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. Your ceremony is expected to last approximately 90 minutes.

Further details about the ceremony proceedings can be found on ‘Your ceremony day’.

Post-ceremony drinks

After the ceremony, you and your guests are invited to join the academic procession for a celebratory glass of sparkling wine or soft drink from the bars on the ground floor (level 1) or level 3. Please note your bar location, indicated on your ticket envelope and arrange to meet up with your guests there.