Congratulations to all Grey College students congregating at the Summer 2026 Ceremonies. The Principal and College Officers look forward to celebrating with Grey College graduands, and their family and friends. Bookings for College celebration events and Bed and Breakfast accommodation can be made here.
GRADUATION FORMAL DINNERS & DRINKS EVENTS – SUMMER 2026
As part of our celebrations, the College is delighted to host special graduation events over the two-week period to celebrate with our graduands and their guests:
Graduation Dinners in Grey College:
Thursday 2nd July 2026 at 7pm, with drinks reception from 6.30pm in the Dining Hall
Tuesday 7th July 2026 at 7pm, with drinks reception from 6.30pm in the Dining Hall
Graduation Drinks Receptions
Wednesday 1st July 2026 between 6.15pm -7.30pm in The Greyhound, Grey College
Wednesday 8th July 2026 between 5.45pm -7.15pm in The Boat Club, Durham
All of these events need to be booked in advance and graduands can bring guests; max 8 for dinner and max 2 for the drinks Reception at the Boatclub. There is no maximum number for the drinks reception hosted in College. You can book onto one or more events.
Grey College Graduation Dinners
Grey College Graduation Dinners are always memorable occasions to celebrate with college officers, family and friends. Each evening commences with a drink’s reception at 6.30 pm followed by welcome speeches and dinner. The Dress Code is as for a formal dinner (Lounge Suits or equivalent).
Our graduating students are invited to attend one dinner during this period free of charge. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Guest price is £26.72 per person. A wide selection of drinks will be available to purchase during the meal from a bar in the Dining Hall on the night.
Note: a graduating student who chooses to attend a dinner on further night with friends, is welcome to do so, but must pay for that meal, priced at £22.20. Please contact Kellie via grey.college@durham.ac.uk to arrange this.
GRADUATION DINNER MENU
Starter
Summer squash soup with toasted seeds and truffle chervil cream (v)
Main
Butter-roast chicken with pancetta and sourdough crumb, confit leg and rarebit tart, Northumberland potato and tenderstem broccoli
OR
Butter-braised heritage carrot with sourdough and chive crumb, confit leek and rarebit tart, Northumberland potato and tenderstem broccoli (v) OR
Dessert
Lime tart with roasted banana ice cream (v)
Booking Notes
- Please register the graduating student first, then after you have completed registration you will get the option to 'Add Guest' to book additional guests, one at a time.
- Please enter your Student ID number for each guest that you add, this will enable us to tie bookings together
- If you are attending a Dinner and there is another graduands' party that you would like to be seated with please note this in the 'Any other Dietary and Special Requirements' section. We will do our best to accommodate these arrangements, but please do bear in mind that maximum capacities for a table are 10, 12 or 14.
Grey College Graduation Drinks Receptions
Grey College drinks receptions are a great way to celebrate your success with college officers, family and friends. This year, we are hosting our two drinks receptions including one in the city centre, at The Boat Club.
Places must be booked in advance as tickets are limited to one per graduand who can bring a maximum of two guests to the Boatclub, the Reception in College doesn’t have a maximum. Please book your free tickets early.
COLLEGE ACCOMMODATION
Grey College can offer you and your guests, accommodation during the graduation period.
Guest Accommodation
Bed and breakfast accommodation is available for guests during the graduation period, with en-suite accommodation costing £72. Please note that persons attending the 9.00 am ceremony will be unable to partake of the breakfast offer on the day of ceremony due to the time they need to arrive at Palace Green. Breakfast may be offered at an alternative College (Collingwood)
Student Accommodation
Resident students’ accommodation Licence Agreements end on Saturday 11 July 2026 and therefore no action is required to extend agreements for this period.
There will be limited (standard room, room only) accommodation for non-resident (living-out) students from Tuesday 30th June to Thursday 9 July, inclusive. This should be booked at the appropriate place on the form.
Further Information
The University website has further information regarding the ceremonies and other aspects of Congregation, here
