Citizenship Ceremonies

A Citizenship Ceremony is the final step in the process of becoming a British Citizen. It is a rite of passage that formally welcomes those who wish to join us into full membership of the British family, and into citizenship of the United Kingdom, a state built on a union of nations, beliefs, and common civic values.

At the ceremony, applicants are welcomed to our nation and specifically to the County of Cumbria. Applicants make an oath of allegiance (or an affirmation if applicants prefer not to swear by God) and a pledge. This means applicants promise to respect the rights, freedoms, and laws of the UK. At the end of the ceremony applicants are presented with a certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.

In Cumbria, Citizenship Ceremonies are held in the Nan Tait Centre in Barrow, County Hall in Kendal and Lady Gillford’s House in Carlisle and are conducted by the Superintendent Registrar from both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Councils depending on where they are taking place.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the role of the Lord Lieutenant is explained. Due to the demands on the time of the Lord Lieutenant, Deputy Lieutenants attend Citizenship Ceremonies in his stead. They make a speech about Cumbria including its heritage, history and community and explain that the purpose of the ceremony is to extend a very warm welcome to our new citizens who have decided to make Cumbria their home. Then, what the country expects of the new citizens is outlined. The Citizenship Register is then signed, a certificate is handed to our new citizen, and everyone stands whilst the national Anthem is played.

Find out more about Citizenship Ceremonies at Citizenship ceremonies - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)