Chelmsford graduations: plan your day

Your graduation day is a day of celebration. We have advised times below for you to plan your day, location details can be found further down the page.

In Chelmsford, our graduation ceremonies take place in Chelmsford Cathedral, and you can check in at the Guy Harlings Garden Marquee. See 'When you arrive' below.

Itinerary for 11am ceremony

Itinerary for 1.30pm ceremony

Itinerary for 3pm ceremony

Itinerary for 4pm ceremony

Itinerary for 6pm ceremony

Please download the Chelmsford on the day guide and map

When you arrive

Please make your way to the Guy Harlings Garden Marquee at Chelmsford Cathedral on arrival, the location of this will be sign posted on the day. This is where you need to check-in and collect your seating card and any guest tickets purchased.

You can also collect your pre-ordered gown and have professional photographs taken with your guests.

You’ll then make your way to the cathedral to take your seats in preparation for the start of the ceremony (see timings above).

The ceremony

Guests and students are seated separately, and on arrival at the cathedral you’ll be directed to different entrance doors. It’s important you keep hold of your seating card, and that your guests have their tickets.

Once you enter the student entrance, you’ll be shown to your seat by an usher. The seat is allocated to you and is indicated on your seating card. You’ll be seated in the order you’ll be called across the stage, so it's important you sit in your allocated seat. As an Anglia Ruskin University graduand you’ll wear academic dress and your mortar board throughout the ceremony.

You’ll be advised by an usher when your row needs to rise and approach the presentation platform.

Once your name is announced you’ll be directed to walk onto and across the stage to the centre point, where the Vice Chancellor (or representative) will greet you. You’ll then continue across the stage, and return back to your seat.

The order of proceedings is as follows.

Following the close of proceedings, all graduates are asked to process out, led by the platform party. Once all graduates have left the cathedral, we invite guests to join graduates outside. You’ll then make your way to the post-ceremony reception which is based on campus in the Marquee which is near the Marconi building (it will be signposted on arrival).



On arrival you and your guest can collect your glass of bubbly (soft drinks also available) and celebrate with family, friends and staff members. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase memorabilia to mark your special day including teddy bears and hoodies.

Once you’ve finished your celebration on campus, please drop your hired gown in the Marquee before continuing your celebration.

Travel and parking

It’s important to know how you and your guests are going to make your way to and from your ceremony. Information about travelling to Chelmsford Cathedral can be found via chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/how-to-get-there.html. Chelmsford also has two park and ride sites which provide a regular service to the city centre, information can be found via essexhighways.org/Getting-Around/bus/park-and-ride.aspx.

Please note that parking is not available on campus or at the cathedral.