Citizenship Ceremonies came into operation in 2004. The ceremony is intended to celebrate the significance and responsibility of becoming a British Citizen and to welcome our newest citizens into our community. Ceremonies are held in Wakefield at the Town Hall on a monthly basis. The ceremony is led by the Superintendent Registrar or by one of his deputies. The guest of honour is the Mayor of Wakefield or the Deputy Mayor.

Enquiries about Citizenship

For British Citizenship and right of abode telephone enquiries please contact the nationality customer contact centre on 0845 010 5200.

• Opening hours are 9am - 9pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Monday is a particularly busy period and customers wishing to contact the Home Office on a Monday are advised to do so after 6pm. Customers dialing this number will have the option to speak to an advisor about general enquiries regarding British Citizenship and right of abode or to request application forms.

• Further information is also available on the Home Office website (see 'Related Links').

The Ceremony

Following a successful application to become a British Citizen the Home Office issues an invitation letter to the individual concerned advising them of who they should contact to arrange their ceremony.  Contact must be made with the specified Register Office (see 'Related Links') within 14 days of the receipt of the letter. The ceremony must be attended within three months. The certificate of British Citizenship is presented at the ceremony by the Mayor.

At the ceremony in Wakefield Town Hall our newest citizens will swear or affirm an oath to the Sovereign and will make the pledge of Citizenship. Guests are welcome to come and support the candidates and refreshments are served. Photography and videos are welcome in order that a record can be made of this important, significant and moving occasion.

• For further details please see the Citizenship Ceremonies FAQs.