Cannon salute from Uppsala Castle ramparts during Conferment Ceremony

The conferment ceremonies are noticeable across much of Uppsala as cannon salutes are a traditional part of the celebrations. Though it is unclear exactly when the tradition arose, cannon salutes have been fired since at least the early 19th century.

Previously, the salute at the University’s Conferment Ceremony has been fired from Uppsala Castle ramparts in the morning and then the guns have been moved to outside the University Main Building with the salute in the afternoon being fired from there.

This time, however, the salute will be fired from the castle moat of Uppsala Castle on the morning of 23 May, when the ceremony begins, and on the afternoons of 23 and 24 May.

Two rounds of salutes

The number of shots in the morning from 7.00 a.m. indicate how many faculties and honorary doctors are taking part in the ceremony.

During the afternoon, the salutes are fired at specific points in the conferment ceremony and come at irregular intervals between about 12:45 and 15:00.

Spread the word about the cannon salutes

The cannon salutes are audible across much of Uppsala, depending on the wind and the weather. Unfortunately, the cannon fire leads many people to contact the police and other authorities to ask what is going on.

The University tries to reach the general public to inform and remind them about the salutes. However, it is difficult to reach everyone and easy to forget that the cannons will be firing. This year, the Spring Conferment Ceremony will also take place over two days.

If you have a chance, please spread the word to friends, relatives, colleagues and others – tell them cannon salutes will be fired in Uppsala on both 23 and 24 May 2024.

Anders Berndt