Business

Events

Other

What is the pricing structure for exclusive venue hire at Athena?

Event packages start at £59.95 + VAT per person (£71.94 including VAT) for conferences with full catering and AV included. A build day costs an additional £1,500 + VAT (£1,800 including VAT). The package includes exclusive use of the entire venue, all AV equipment, catering throughout the day, and technical support.

What is the maximum capacity for events at Athena?

Athena can accommodate up to 1,400 guests across its flexible spaces. The venue has successfully hosted events ranging from 120 guests for intimate ceremonies to 800 guests in cabaret style seating arrangements. The space can be configured for various layouts including cabaret, theatre, and banquet styles.

What spaces and facilities are included with exclusive venue hire?

Exclusive hire includes the cinema suite, foyer, balcony, deco lounges, kitchen, and three changing rooms with ensuite bathrooms. You also get 100 complimentary car parking spaces with two stewards, 500MB complimentary fibre WiFi, and flexible event timings. The venue provides dedicated event managers throughout your event.

What audio-visual equipment and technical support is provided?

The venue includes a comprehensive AV package with in-house RCF sound system, three Christie laser projectors, 10m x 5m cinema screen, two 120-inch retractable projector screens, purpose-built stage with star cloth backdrop, handheld microphones, two LED lecterns, and full lighting system. In-house technical support is provided throughout events, plus data connection and live feed capabilities.

What catering services are included in the event package?

Full-day catering includes arrival refreshments (tea, coffee, orange juice, pastries, fresh fruit), mid-morning and afternoon breaks with tea, coffee and snacks, and lunch service with freshly prepared two-course hot fork or finger buffet. Evening events can include three-course seated dinner and one glass of chilled prosecco per guest.

What furniture and table settings are provided?

The venue provides round tables with choice of black or white table linen, Chiavari chairs, and complete cutlery, crockery and glassware packages. Trestle tables and linen are available for gift tables, guest books, and cake tables as required. LED table centerpieces are also included for evening events.

What are the alcohol policies and bar service options?

Athena offers no corkage charges on beers, wines, spirits, or soft drinks, allowing you to bring your own alcohol. Table service for bar drinks is available, and the venue can provide pre-poured drinks for networking receptions. Evening packages include one glass of prosecco per guest.

Can external suppliers and AV teams be used at the venue?

Yes, clients can bring their own AV suppliers and staging teams to work alongside the venue's facilities. The venue provides data connections and technical support to accommodate external equipment. This flexibility allows for customized technical setups while still utilizing the venue's comprehensive in-house systems.

What setup and breakdown services are included?

The venue handles complete setup and cleaning services as part of the package. Build days are available for £1,500 + VAT for complex events requiring additional preparation time. The venue offers flexible access and de-rig times to accommodate your event schedule and technical requirements.

Does Athena provide accommodation for guests?

No, Athena is not a hotel and does not provide accommodation services. Guests will need to arrange their own lodging separately. The venue is centrally located in Leicester's cultural quarter, making it accessible to various accommodation options in the area.