Catering and Hospitality Students Across Inspire Education Group Shine At UCP 2026 Cathedral Graduation

Catering and Hospitality students from both Peterborough College and Stamford College took centre stage behind the scenes at Peterborough Cathedral, delivering a seamless front and back-of-house service for University Centre Peterborough’s 2026 Graduation Ceremony.

Working collaboratively under pressure, catering students prepared and handcrafted an array of gourmet canapés, including sun-dried tomato, olive and pesto arancini; red onion and chive scones topped with goat’s cheese and fig chutney; caramel apple crumble tarts; and fresh fruit kebabs.

Upon arrival at the Cathedral, the catering team managed the final finishing and intricate plating of the dishes. Catering and hospitality students combined to serve over 1000 attendees, including graduates, celebrating families and VIP guests. 

Sarah Goddard, Head of Faculty for Leisure and Service Industries ay Peterborough College said, “I am immensely proud of our Inspire Education Group (IEG) catering students for their outstanding work during the University Centre Peterborough graduation event. Bringing together talented students from across both our Stamford and Peterborough campuses, they demonstrated exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and dedication. Their flawless coordination and commitment to excellence truly elevated the celebrations, and seeing them work together so effectively was an incredibly proud moment for our entire faculty. “

Operating inside the historic medieval landmark required tight coordination between the offsite event, giving students a true industry test in event logistics, balancing pre-event production, live plating under time constraints and attentive floor service in an active venue. 

Alexis Birtill, Hospitality and Catering Lecturer at Stamford College, said “I cannot express enough how immensely proud I am of the catering students from both Stamford and Peterborough. Catering for an event of this magnitude, serving over 1,000 guests at the University Centre Peterborough graduation ceremony was a massive undertaking for their first week back at college. The students rose to the occasion brilliantly, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, culinary skill, and attention to detail, making the celebration truly memorable for all the graduates and their families.”

The success underscores Inspire Education Group’s focus on practical, industry-led training, providing students across Stamford College and Peterborough College with live event experience alongside their technical qualifications.

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