Overview

• On July 29, Sir Paul McCartney presided over LIPA’s graduation at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, conferring the institute’s Companionship honour on nine distinguished figures.
• The Wombats, who formed at LIPA in 2003 and have sold over one million albums worldwide, were honoured alongside their manager, Simon Bobbett.
• Oscar-winning director Sir Sam Mendes received his Companionship via video link, while acclaimed actors Adrian Lester and James Nesbitt were recognised in person.
• Hollywood director-producer Gay Linvill and arts accessibility campaigner Sita McIntosh were named for their outstanding contributions to student learning and industry inclusion.
• The ceremony also celebrated approximately 420 graduates from more than 30 countries, highlighting LIPA’s growing international reach.