Flying hats at City Hall

As I wandered past the City Hall today I was dodging scholar’s caps flying through the air. Yes it’s Graduation week during the City of Culture Year and thankfully the new fountains are switched off during the ceremonies to avoid sodden dresses and gowns . Helen Sharmen OBE, the first British woman to walk in space, was up for an honoury Degree. I spoke to someone with his feet firmly planted on earth. Graduate Kieran Bogachuk, 22, from the Ukraine, had just received an award in Electrical Engineering. He told me that passing out during Hull’s Special Year was “interesting”, and that he was “…staying put” to take a Phd in the City.

Kieran was not so impressed with the “hours” spent in the queue to enter the building and waiting for a ceremony “..which lasted a few seconds”. As I fought to get through the next batch of excited students lined up near the Maritime Museum I could see his point. But around me were animated parents, family members and friends from all over the planet. Much happiness and hope for the future. The university has been integral to the success of many events this year, but more that will be an important cultural bridge for Hull long after 2017.