The ceremony began with the traditional procession of local dignitaries, making their way through the town centre to the Corn Exchange to the sound of the University’s Pipe Band.

Hundreds of students from the faculties of Creative Arts, Technology & Science and Health & Social Sciences, greeted the procession and took to the stage to collect their awards.

Among them was Dan Grech, a Bedford-born recording engineer, producer and mixer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Liam Gallagher, Mumford and Sons, The Killers and George Ezra. Dan was warmly welcomed to the stage to collect an Honorary Doctor of Arts for his outstanding contribution to the music industry.

The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell told the excited graduates: “Resolve here and now to be bold and courageous in choosing to value not only what you have achieved in the past, but all of the potential you have to do great things in the future.”

Next week (24 July) will see Luton students graduate at the Putteridge Bury campus, with honorary degrees due to be awarded to musician James Bay, former Science and Medical Editor for ITV Lawrence McGinty and the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet.