Mayor Helena Marsh welcomed 300 new British citizens at Larkhaven’s autumn citizenship ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday 9 September 2026. The new citizens, from 52 countries and aged from 18 to 87, made their oath or affirmation and pledge at three ceremonies held through the day in the Council Chamber.
It was the largest citizenship ceremony ever held in the city. Family and friends filled the public gallery, and each new citizen received their certificate and a silver lark pin badge, a Larkhaven tradition since the city’s first ceremonies in 2004.
Larkhaven has been a harbour city for centuries, and people have always come here from all over the world to make their homes and build their lives. Today 300 more of them became citizens. They’re nurses, engineers, students, shopkeepers and carers, and they’re our neighbours. I’m proud to welcome every one of them.
Mayor Helena Marsh
Thandiwe Moyo came to Larkhaven in 2017 to study at the University and now teaches maths at a secondary school in Hollins Park. “Larkhaven has been home for nine years,” she said. “Today it’s official. My parents travelled 8,000 miles to be here, and my students made me a card.”
Booking your citizenship ceremony
If your application for British citizenship has been approved, you’ll need to attend a ceremony within three months of receiving your invitation.
- Group ceremonies are held at City Hall twice a month, and your place is included in your citizenship fee.
- You can bring up to two guests to a group ceremony.
- Private ceremonies can be arranged for an extra fee.
- To book, call 01632 960 000 or email registrars@larkhaven.example. The Register Office is on the ground floor of City Hall, and all visits are by appointment.
Elaine Forsyth, Superintendent Registrar, said: “Citizenship ceremonies are one of the happiest parts of our work. If you’ve received your invitation, please book as soon as you can, as autumn and spring dates fill up quickly.”
Find out more about the Register Office and ceremonies.
