Citizenship ceremonies

What to expect at your ceremony

This is what usually happens at a group citizenship ceremony:

  1. You will need to arrive between 30-60 minutes before your ceremony so you can complete your registration. If you arrive less than 15 minutes prior to your ceremony, you'll not be permitted into the ceremony and you'll have to rearrange.
  2. The ceremony normally lasts around 30 minutes.
  3. The Superintendent Registrar for Rochdale, or their deputy, will conduct the ceremony. They will start with a brief explanation on the significance and commitments of the promises you'll make before being granted British citizenship.
  4. The Mayor will then give a welcoming speech on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant will speak on behalf of His Majesty the King.
  5. You'll then be asked as a group to repeat an oath of allegiance and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
  6. The Mayor will then present you with your British nationality certificate and an information pack. Your guest can take photographs of you receiving your certificate from the Mayor if you wish.
  7. The ceremony ends with the playing of the national anthem.
  8. There's usually a photographer present at group citizenship ceremonies. You can purchase these photographs after the ceremony.