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Congregation
Graduands in robes and hoods processing into Durham Cathedral

Congregation Fair

Teddies dressed up in purple jumpers and graduation robes

Spring graduates and their guests are invited to a drinks reception following their ceremony, which will be held on the top floor of the Teaching and Learning Centre.

Please register to attend the reception here: Celebratory Drinks Reception - Spring Congregation 2024 by 1 April 2024.

It is imperative that you register on Banner Self Service as well as signing up for the drinks reception, in order to take part in the ceremony. 

Your department and college may also contact you to invite you to celebratory events in colleges and departments once you have booked on to your ceremony.

The following activities are also located in the Teaching and Learning Centre for graduands and guests to enjoy before and after the ceremony:

  • Refreshments – Zing kitchen offers a fantastic catering experience as part of your graduation. We will be serving celebratory refreshments of champagne, prosecco, soft drinks and barista style hot drinks. There will be a variety of hot and cold breakfast items in the morning then moving on to lunch our onsite chefs will serve freshly produced seasonal world foods and salads bursting with flavour. We look forward to seeing you there!
  • Alumni Welcome stand – Come and see the Alumni Engagement Team at the Congregation Fair. Find out about your alumni community and how Durham can continue to support you as you go out into the world and beyond. We have alumni events around the world so you can make new connections across the community as well as catching up with your Durham friends. You can access benefits such as a dunelm.org.uk email address, continued access to online journals through JSTOR, and career support. For more details, visit Alumni
  • Official Merchandise – A wide range of official Durham University merchandise will be available to purchase at the Congregation Fair. We will be selling everything from branded Durham University clothing to our bestselling graduation bear, helping you to commemorate you time at university. Our full range of merchandise is available by following the link Durham University Official Shop
  • DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs – Galaxy Media will record each ceremony and produce a final film, available to take home from Congregation, which includes images of Palace Green, the University and region. DVD’s and Blu-Ray Discs can be pre-ordered online or purchased on the day: https://www.mygraduationfilm.com/
  • Photographs - Ede and Ravenscroft photography studios are available to take images of graduands and guests either before or after ceremonies but remember that graduands need to report to the Great Hall by 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to the ceremony. Ede and Ravenscroft photography will also capture each graduand on stage with the Presiding Officer during the ceremony and these images will be available to view, purchase and take home on the day from the Photography Sales Desk after the ceremony. Photography packages can be pre-ordered online by 10 April or ordered on the day: https://graduation-services.edeandravenscroft.com/graduation/index/