AN estimated 10,000 people will descend on Derby's newest entertainment centre over the next three days to take part in the annual University of Derby graduation ceremonies.
The three-day event, starting today, is the first to be held at Derby Arena in Pride Park.
In the region of 3,000 people are expected to graduate over the six ceremonies – two each day – attended by about 7,000 family members and friends.
The university was forced to move the annual event from Derby's Assembly Rooms following a fire last March, which has led to the venue being closed ever since.
The university has negotiated with local businesses so that more than 1,900 car parking spaces will be available to graduates.
These include Store-First, Derby Park and Ride, IPro car park, Derby Fireplace Centre, Toys R Us and Derby Arena itself, which has 500 spaces. Additionally, there is on-street parking in Chaddesden and London Road, as well as the main car parks in the city centre.
Best-selling novelist Wendy Holden is among this year's University of Derby honorary graduates and she will receive her degree on Wednesday afternoon.
Ms Holden, of Two Dales, Darley Dale, is the author of ten consecutive Sunday Times top ten best-selling novels and will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.
Also on the list to receive honorary doctorates are Colin Smith, director of engineering and technology at Rolls-Royce; Tony Walker, deputy managing director for Toyota Manufacturing; and David Bell, chief corporate development officer at JCB.
They will be given out at each of three ceremonies on Thursday and Friday.
Internationally-renowned ceramic artist Paul Cummins, who created the poppy display at the Tower of London to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, will receive an honorary master of arts degree.
He has previously graduated from the university and is now studying for a PhD there. Mr Cummins will receive his degree on Thursday morning.
