Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

Celebration Events: on the day

This page contains detailed information about Writtle College Celebration Events, including timings, seating arrangements, parking, photography, and post-event celebrations.

This year's events take place on Friday 14 June 2024.

If you have a question that isn't answered here, check our Frequently asked questions page.

Venue

Our venue is All Saints Church in Writtle.

The address is All Saints Church, Church Lane, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3EN.

Travel and parking

Free car parking is available at Writtle College, which is a 15-minute walk from All Saints Church. Get directions to Writtle College.

Please note there are no parking facilities at the church, but limited spaces are available in the pay and display car park near the village duck pond.

Dress code

Celebration Events are formal occasions and the dress code is smart/formal. We recommend:

  • shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes
  • blouse, smart skirt/trousers and shoes
  • formal dress and shoes.

During the event students will walk up and down stairs to be presented with a certificate on stage, so we recommend that you wear appropriate footwear.

We cannot allow students who are inappropriately dressed to be presented at the Celebration Event.

Arrival times

Please arrive at the church at least 30 minutes before your Celebration Event time. Staff will check you in and show you to your seats.

Admittance is strictly by ticket only (including students).

Seating arrangements

Students will be shown to their numbered seat by staff, with guests sitting on the opposite side of the church.

During the event

The event beings with the procession of the Platform Party and Academic Staff entering the church.

The event will be opened and the welcome speech and address will be made. The Head of Department will then take to the stage to announce the presentation of students.

When the presentations begin, students will be asked to move, row by row, to the marshalling area at the foot of the platform steps. Names of students to be presented will be called individually. When directed, you should mount the platform, shake hands with the Guest of Honour, and collect your certificate. Any prizes awarded to individual students will be announced at the same time, and presented on stage.

After being received, you should proceed across the platform, down the steps, and around the church back to your original seat.

Once all students have been presented, the Guest of Honour will make a speech.

Any presentations to charities will be presented at this time, followed by a Vote of Thanks.

Finally, there is a closing speech and the processions will leave the church.

After the event

After the Celebration Event, students and guests return to Writtle College. There'll be light refreshments, or a buffet lunch if you have bought tickets.

Photography

Tempest Photography will be in main hall at Writtle College throughout the day to take photos of students and/or guests.

You'll be given an instant proof of your photographs, from which you can make a selection and place an order. You can also place an order at a later date by telephone or online.

There is no need to pre-book and no obligation to buy the photos that are taken.

See the Tempest Graduations website for examples of prices and packages, along with terms and conditions.