Students celebrate degrees of success

The city was swarming with graduates in their caps and gowns as hundreds of students marked the end of their degree courses at graduation ceremonies.

Joined by families and friends, they celebrated their academic achievement in the sunshine.

Always a great boost to Bath, the city was awash with happy, smiling faces, taking photographs of one another to mark this special occasion.

Held for the first time at the Theatre Royal, Bath due to continuing work at Bath Abbey, the ceremonies brings thousands of visitors to the city every year, with restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars kept busy before, during and after the ceremonies.

Graduation ceremonies from Bath Spa University and Bath College, held on different dates, have the same positive effect on the city.

More than 3,000 students graduated from the University of Bath this week, along with some famous faces who received honorary degrees.

University of Bath undergraduate and masters degree students, as well as Phds, marked the end of their studies at the celebratory event.

The University Chancellor, HRH The Earl of Wessex Prince Edward, attended some of the ceremonies on Tuesday and Wednesday, he also attended the 50th birthday celebrations for the charity Designability, the RUH based organisation which creates products and technology to help people with disabilities or long-term illnesses.

Graduates were this year treated to some of the hottest conditions as temperatures soared during the current heatwave leaving many sweltering in their gowns and formal clothes.

Among the famous faces who received honorary degrees were Olympic rowing champion Heather Stanning, TV’S supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, comedian and musician Bill Bailey and former Spurs and Bristol Rovers’ footballer and diabetes campaigner Gary Mabbutt.

Commenting ahead of the graduation ceremonies, the University’s President and Vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, said: “The summer graduation ceremonies are a time for us all to celebrate the successes of our students and recognise the diverse talents, contributions and achievements of our honorary graduates.

“Congratulations to everyone who is receiving an award this week,” she said.

The ceremonies continue until tomorrow.