Eligibility criteria
- You must have completed your training and be a full member OR have a successful Fellowship application and have been ratified to book a place
- You must have an active membership at the point of booking and attending the Ceremony. Members with lapsed or resigned RCGP memberships are not eligible to attend a Ceremony and any tickets booked by a lapsed or resigned member will be contacted directly by a Ceremony organiser to discuss their options.
- If you became a fully qualified Member on or after 1 Aug 2023, by completing the MRCGP, MRCGP(INT) or MAP, you are eligible to attend any ceremony in 2024. If you became a fully qualified Member on or after 1 Feb 2024 you are eligible to attend any ceremony up to May 2025. If you qualified prior to Aug 2023 but would still like to attend a ceremony, please contact us and we will assess on a case-by-case basis. New Fellows have up to five years post-election to attend a ceremony.
- Eligible new members will be sent notifications in their automated Welcome to First5 email once they have qualified, but you do NOT need to wait for an invitation to book on.
- Eligible new fellows will receive an election confirmation letter from the Fellowship application team. The letter includes links to the Ceremonies events page where you can attend any Ceremony taking place across the UK.
- Your registration and tickets must be booked via your registered MyRCGP account. If you book with any other email address, your booking will not be valid.
- New Fellows will only have access to register for Fellow tickets, and new members will only have access to book new member tickets.
It is strongly recommended you make no travel or accommodation bookings until you receive confirmation of your ceremony booking.
What’s new to ceremonies?
Membership Ceremonies continue to be an important milestone event for members and we hope to continually improve your experience based on member feedback. This year we have made some changes which we hope will simplify registration and make your Ceremony more enjoyable.
Transferable guest tickets
We know how important it is that you have your family and loved ones celebrating with you at your Ceremony, but in the unfortunate case that someone can't make it, we won't ask for individual guest names so you can swap tickets between guests without having to notify us of the change. If your guest cancels and you'd like a refund, please let the organisers know.
Ticket access
We're excited to invite both Members and Fellows to attend any Ceremony across the UK. It's important for the smooth running of the day that we know if you're a New Fellow or New Member. In case you're uncertain which ticket you're eligible to book, we have made sure that tickets are only visible and available to that member group, e.g. New Fellows can only book Fellow tickets, New Members can only book New Member tickets. If you can't see either ticket and you think you should be able to book, email membershipcommunities@rcgp.org.uk and we can check this for you.
Ceremony styles
We have established new Ceremony styles which will ensure you and your guests can attend a Ceremony best suited to you. If you see a Ceremony event page badged with either of the following styles, you can decide if it is the experience you'd like to go for.
Formal style: Formal Ceremonies are catered towards adults and teenagers and are a traditional format event. We are unable to cater for young children and recommend a Relaxed style ceremony for Members wishing to bring mini guests.
Relaxed style: Relaxed Ceremonies are open to all family members, providing a supportive environment allowing for movement and noise during the ceremony. Young children are welcome to attend, please let us know in the registration form.
Upcoming ceremony dates
All ceremony dates are subject to change. Do not make any travel or accommodation arrangements until you have purchased tickets on a confirmed event.
- 22 November 2024, Edinburgh, ceremony style: relaxed
- 31 January 2025, Swansea, ceremony style: relaxed
- 5 April 2025, Sheffield, ceremony style: relaxed
Search for upcoming member ceremonies
Ticket and booking information
Do I have to pay to attend a Ceremony?
The College will cover the cost for graduating members to attend the Ceremony. Additional guests are paid for. Prices of guest tickets may vary per event, so please check the Ceremony you'd like to attend for full cost details.
RCGP ceremonies are completely non-profit making, and all ticket sales go back towards the running of the event, including but not limited to, auditorium and venue hire, AV, catering, event staffing, soft play for children etc.
How do I get early tickets?
Tickets are purchased on a first-come, first-served basis, so we are unable to reserve or secure tickets for members.
How do I get more guest tickets?
Guest tickets are limited depending on the capacity of the Ceremony venue. Larger venues will allow for more guest tickets per member, so please check each Ceremony for guest ticket allowance. We are unable to assign you more tickets than the allocation in the first instance. Closer to the time of the event, if there are cancellations or returns, we can let you know if there is availability. Cancelled tickets may only become available at the very last minute and we are unable to guarantee if/when this may happen.
Can I bring children?
We are happy to welcome young ones to specified relaxed style ceremonies. Check on each ceremony booking page if it is either a formal or relaxed style event.
At relaxed style ceremonies tickets must be purchased for children aged 3 and above. Children under 3 can attend for free but are not catered for and must sit on a lap with a parent or guardian, or in the screening room if there is one provided. Where possible we host a screening room for young children and encourage guests to use this if children become restless during the official ceremony proceedings.
How do I get a visa invitation letter?
We would be happy to provide you with a visa support letter so your family can attend your member ceremony.
In order to provide this for you, please complete our online form with your details as well as your guests.
The visa support letter can only be issued once you have purchased tickets at a confirmed Ceremony. Once you have submitted the form, our team will be in touch with you soon with the visa support letter.
Can I transfer to another Ceremony?
We can transfer your Ceremony booking, in the case where you have already registered but need to postpone or would like to swap to a more suitable date or location.
How do I transfer guest tickets?
Individual guest names are not required during registration, so tickets can be swapped between guests without having to notify us of the change. If your guest cancels and you'd like a refund, please let the organiser know.
Who can I contact about Ceremonies?
For general questions not answered In the FAQs, email membershipcommunities@rcgp.org.uk. For questions regarding a specific Ceremony, contact the organising team denoted on the Ceremony event page.
Which Ceremony can I attend?
You can attend any Ceremony taking place across the UK.
Gowning
As an official event, you must be wearing a MRCGP or FRCGP gown to take part in the Ceremony. These can be ordered directly from the supplier, details of which can be found on your ceremony event listing and booking links will be sent via email once registered.
Mortar boards/Graduation caps are not required for the Ceremony, but you can order them for your official photograph
Photography
Official photography Is available at Ceremonies who can photograph you and your family, and your stage presentation. Please check per Ceremony as to which photography supplier is attending
Will there be food?
Nibbles, drink refreshments and a drinks reception will be provided before and after the Ceremony. We do not provide a sit-down meal or buffet, unless specified. Children under 3 will not be catered for.
Do I need to bring my official certification?
On the day you are presented a gestural scroll of attendance so do not need your framed certificate for official proceedings. If you would like to have your official photograph taken with your certification, you are welcome to bring it along.
Do I need to bring tickets?
Bring your QR code for registration either printed or on a device. This can be found on the Manage Registration link in the top right of your Ceremony event page, once you have logged in using your MyRCGP email address. We only need to register the attending member on the day.
Is there a crèche?
Dedicated childcare and crèches are not provided at formal ceremonies or relaxed style ceremonies, but where possible at a relaxed ceremony we will host a separate streaming room which guardians or parents can use throughout the event. Children must always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
How long is the Ceremony?
The official Ceremony proceedings and presentation lasts approximately 1 hour, and the whole event lasting 3-4 hours depending on the number of members attending.
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