Thousands of students and their loving family and friends will descend on Cardiff this week for three days of graduation ceremonies. Students at Cardiff University have waited up to two years to attend their graduation ceremonies after they were postponed in both 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last year, it was announced that mass ceremonies for the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 would take place at the 73,000 capacity Principality Stadium on July 20, 21 and 22. Get the latest news from across Cardiff sent straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletters here.
There was backlash to the university's original plans, with graduates told they would not cross the stage at the "unique" evening ceremonies and would instead "stand and celebrate as a school from your place on the pitch," missing out on the individual recognition that those in preceding years received. However, after a petition was signed by more than 5,000 people, the university confirmed that students will also participate in separate school recognition events.
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These events will see students' name read out and their achievements applauded by attending guests. They are part of an extensive programme planned for each day, with attendees able to socialise and celebrate in the 'graduation gardens' outside the university buildings, before getting official photos taken in their academic dress and later heading to the stadium for the official ceremonies, which start at 6pm.
With large crowds expected over the three days, there will be some disruption to roads and public transport routes surrounding the stadium in the city centre. You can find the latest traffic and travel news from across Cardiff by clicking here.
Cardiff Council has announced that a one-way system will be implemented along Westgate Street and Wood Street on July 20, 21 and 22 as students and their families head to the stadium. It will remain in place between 3pm and 8pm each day and has been implemented to avoid closing more city centre roads.
Wood Street will be closed eastbound from Tudor Street bridge to Westgate Street, while Westgate Street will be closed northbound from Wood Street to Castle Street. However, Wood Street and Westgate Street will remain open westbound and southbound.
A post on the council's official Facebook page reads: "Cardiff University graduations are taking place in the Principality Stadium and a one-way system will be implemented along Westgate Street and Wood Street on 20th, 21st & 22nd July 3pm – 8pm.
"We are supporting the stadium for these events and the one-way system is being put in place to avoid city centre road closures and assist bus operators, operating in the city centre. Signs will be put up on street to assist motorists driving through the city centre."
Meanwhile, Cardiff Bus has also confirmed that there will be alterations to their regular service due to the graduation ceremonies. The closure of parts of Wood Street and Westgate Street mean that between 3pm and 8pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, a number of buses will start and end from different stops.
The full list of affected bus routes is as follows:
6 (Baycar) and 99 - Will start and end from Customhouse Street stop JL (outside Open University) instead of Wyndham Arcade
7 - Cardiff Bay to the city centre. Will follow normal route to Penarth Road then divert via Penarth Road and Callaghan Square to Canal Street. Inbound bus stops on Clare Road, Dispenser Street, Fitzhamon Embankment and Wyndham Arcade won't be served.
8 and 9 - Cardiff Bay/Sports Village to the city centre. Will follow normal route to Penarth Road, then divert via Penarth Road and Callaghan Square to Bute Terrace where they will return to normal route. Inbound bus stops on Clare Road, Dispenser Street, Fitzhamon Embankment and Wyndham Arcade won't be served.
13, 15, 17 & 18 - To the city centre. Will start/end from Westgate Street stop KG (opposite entrance to Principality Stadium). Buses will enter the city centre via Cardiff Bridge and Westgate Street, then exit the city centre via Westgate Street, Wood Street, Tudor Street, Clare Street, Neville Street returning to normal route through Canton.
21, 23, 24 & 27 - Will start/end from Greyfriars Road, stop GK for 21, 23 & 24; stop GL for 27. Bus stops at Westgate Street and Kingsway will not be served.
25, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66 and 96/96A - Will start/end from Westgate Street stop KD, just before Gatekeeper pub. Buses will enter the city centre via Cardiff Bridge and Westgate Street, then exit the city centre via Westgate Street, Wood Street, Tudor Street and Clare Street.
92, 93, 94 and 95 - Will start/end at Wood Street JR as normal but will follow diversion route into the city centre: normal route to Cornwall Street (92/93/94) or Ninian Park Road (95) then run via Clare Road, Penarth Road, Callaghan Square, Lower St. Mary Street and Wood Street to Wood Street JR. Outward journeys start from Wood Street JR and will exit the city centre following normal outbound route.
95 - To Heath Hospital. Will follow normal route to Ninian Park Road, then divert via Clare Street, Lower Cathedral Road, Cardiff Bridge, Castle Street to Greyfriars Road. Bus stops on Dispenser Street, Fitzhamon Embankment, Wood Street and Westgate Street will not be served, please go to Greyfriars Road (stop GL instead).
X45 - From Sports Village to the city centre. Will follow normal route to Penarth Road, then divert via Penarth Road and Callaghan Square to Bute Terrace where they will return to normal route. Inbound bus stops on Clare Road, Dispenser Street, Fitzhamon Embankment and Wyndham Arcade won't be served.
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