We’re excited to be hosting the UWE Bristol graduations from Mon 13 – Thu 23 July. We’re looking forward to welcoming the Class of 2026 through our doors to celebrate their amazing achievements.
Here you will find out how graduates and their guests can prepare for the graduation ceremonies, what happens on the day, and information about building and box office opening times.
Find out what happens before, during and after your graduation ceremony. Including information about getting to Bristol Beacon, getting ready for your ceremony, what happens in the ceremony.
Find out what happens on graduation day
Bristol Beacon has several bars, cafes and restaurants for you to raise a glass and celebrate your graduation.
Stalls Bar
Our flagship bar on Level 1 serving a range of local beers, wines and ciders, tea & coffee and special graduation prosecco cocktails.
Terrace Bar
Soak up the sun and the views across Bristol on Level 3 and get that photo moment with a glass of fizz.
Golding Bar
A quiet, sophisticated lounge bar on Ground Floor opposite box office serving teas and coffee.
Bristol Loaf
Our artisan cafe on the Lower Ground Floor serving delicious freshly baked pastries, cakes, sandwiches and seasonal dishes alongside local beers, wines and ciders.
There will also be a pop-up bar outside Bristol Loaf in front of Bristol Beacon.
Colonnade Restaurant
Relaxed, seasonal dining in a dazzling architectural setting. Graduates and their guests dining with us for lunch or dinner will receive a free glass of Prosecco, or a non-alcohol alternative.
There will also be a pop-up bar outside Colonnade in front of Bristol Beacon serving crepes and drinks.
There will be no drinks reception after the ceremony. Graduates and guests will be asked to leave the building shortly after your ceremony has finished.
Find the full schedule for the UWE Bristol graduation ceremonies taking place at Bristol Beacon.
Temperatures are forecast to be high for graduations, particularly from Mon 13 July – Wed 15 July.
Beacon Hall, where graduation ceremonies take place, is air conditioned so your ceremony should feel comfortable. Our foyer and bar areas are not air conditioned and may feel warmer.
Water stations
There will be water stations across most levels of Bristol Beacon for you to use for free and stay hydrated before your ceremony takes place.
Cooler areas
Outside Golding Bar at the back of Bristol Beacon on Trenchard Street is shaded in the morning until early afternoon. The front of Bristol Beacon is shaded from mid afternoon into the evening.
How to ask for help
Please speak to one of our graduation stewards if you feel unwell. They will be easily identifiable across all areas of the venue.
Tickets for graduations need to be purchased in advance. Graduates will have received an email from the UWE Graduation team with details on how to book tickets.
If you need to purchase additional tickets on the day of your graduation, please speak to the Graduation team at the registration desk.
You can purchase additional tickets immediately after you register. If you have already registered, you can skip the registration queue and purchase tickets.
Before the ceremony begins, a selection of merchandise will be available to buy.
- Fresh flowers
- UWE Bristol hoodies, t-shirts and gifts
- t-shirts and hoodies listing graduates’ names
If you have any access needs for you or your guests please contact the UWE graduation team at graduation@uwe.ac.uk or call +44 (0)117 32 83934 (Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00 GMT).
Bristol Beacon is an accessible venue with level access to stage, seating and areas of quiet space.
Find out more about access at Bristol Beacon
All of the graduation ceremonies will be broadcast live online and available to watch again on demand. The live stream will start once the ceremonies begin.
Please arrive in good time to register, collect your gowns and prepare for your ceremony. If you or your guests are running late, don’t worry, our graduations team are here to help you.
There is no cut off time for entry into the ceremony. However if you or your guests are very late, you might be directed to the Upper Tier and we cannot guarantee your guests will be seated together.
If graduates have not registered in good time, your name may not be called out in the ceremony. If your guests are present, but you are late, your guests can register your name in advance if you know you’re running late.
The graduations team will manage all lost property for the UWE Bristol graduations. Items will be collected after each ceremony. If you have lost an item, please contact the welcome desk.
Bristol Beacon opening times
Mon 13 – Thu 23 Jul
Please note, the box office counter will be closed, and a reduced in-person service will be in effect during UWE Graduations.
Bristol Beacon is expected to be very busy with graduates and guests during this period. Opening times for phones and in-person services are unchanged.
We advise customers to book for Bristol Beacon tickets online or via phone.
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