York Barbican - YK25A

Friday 26 September 2025 (am)

 Ceremony full for graduates - Waiting list closed

FromToActivityLocation
08:3010:30RegistrationFoyer, Ground Floor
08:3010:30Collection of academic dressLendal rooms, Ground Floor
08:3010:30PhotographySports hall, Ground Floor
10:15 Auditorium doors openAll Levels (see tickets)
10:3011:00Musical programmeAuditorium
11:0012:30CeremonyAuditorium
12:3013:00Celebratory drinksAll Levels
 13:30Return of academic dressY01 Lounge, Ground floor

This page was last updated on 19 August 2025. The final version will be posted 2-3 weeks before the ceremony.

Arrival and registration

Upon arrival, please head to the Registration desks to collect your tickets, presentation card and souvenir programmes. To help you get around the venue on the day, we have created an information sheet, which includes a map of the venue. You may find it useful to download or print out a copy of this to refer to on the day.

Please be advised that there is no cloakroom at this venue and only small bags will be permitted. Security checks will be in force on the day and may be repeated if you leave the building at any point.

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 during 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 once you have registered. Collection will be open from 08:30 and all hired items should be returned by 13:30.

For details on Open University academic dress, including how to pre-order from our preferred supplier, please see 'Preparing for your ceremony'.

Photography

The photography studios 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 at the venue 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 10:15 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.

Venue information

Accessibility

The York Barbican is fully accessible. For full details, please go to https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/venue-info/accessibility/.

If you or any of your guests have additional seating requirements to be considered for the ceremony, please telephone the Ceremonies Centre on +44 (0)1908 541079 at least 4 weeks before your ceremony date.

Cloakroom

The venue has no cloakroom facilities. Only small bags will be permitted.

Please note that pushchairs, buggies etc. will not be permitted within the auditorium during the ceremony.

First aid

If first aid assistance is required whilst at the venue, please report to a member of venue staff. 

Security & emergencies

Please note it is at the venue’s discretion to enforce any security measures, such as bag searches upon arrival. If you leave the building at any point, these may be repeated on re-entry.

Should the need to evacuate arise, an announcement will be made, and venue staff will provide further instruction.

Contact us

The Ceremonies Centre is open and ready to support you.

Ceremonies Centre
PO Box 123
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6DQ

ceremonies@open.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1908 541079
Mon to Thurs 09:00 - 16:30
Fri 09:00 - 16:00