Business is booming in St Albans as thousands of students, their families and friends hit the city centre for the University of Hertfordshire’s annual graduation ceremony.

By next Monday (12) the historic city will have welcomed about 15,000 people joining week-long graduation celebrations, which have been taking place at the landmark St Albans Cathedral.

The Hatfield-based University of Hertfordshire is also showing its appreciation to pillars of the community by awarding honorary degrees and fellowships for outstanding contribution to academic disciplines, charity, professions or public service.

St Albans district council’s portfolio holder for community engagement and localism, Cllr Beric Read, said the arrival of thousands of visitors to the city centre was “really good” for local shops and services.

He added: “It’s great to see so many students, their families and friends here, and it’s particularly good as the council has close links with the University of Hertfordshire; we work well with them, as they are a forward-looking business.

“Such a big influx of people is really good for local businesses.”

Sue Grant, secretary and registrar at the university, said: “We are very proud of our graduates and hope that they, along with their family and friends, will enjoy a day of celebration in the city of St Albans.

“The graduate employment rate for the university is high, and we are very pleased that our graduates continue to make a positive contribution to the economy.”

The University’s awards ceremonies began on Monday (5) and end next Monday (12).