Arts

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Events

What are the venue hire rates and minimum catering spend requirements for the Frobisher Rooms?

The Frobisher Triple Room costs £3,200+VAT for day hire (08:30-17:00) with a capacity of 170 theatre or 96 cabaret style. There's an overnight hold fee of £950+VAT and a minimum catering spend of £1,500+VAT. The hire includes LCD projector, screen, and Wi-Fi.

What are the capacity options and pricing for the Garden Room & Conservatory?

The Garden Room & Conservatory can accommodate 220 banquet, 180 dinner/dance, 450 reception, 180 seated buffet, or 350 fork buffet. Evening venue hire (17:30-00:00) costs £7,800+VAT with a minimum catering spend of £3,000+VAT. Additional PA system and microphone costs £111+VAT, and 55" LCD screens cost £175+VAT.

What AV equipment and technical support is included with Cinema 1?

Cinema 1 includes a 34000lms 4K DLP Cinema Projector with 1920 x 1080 resolution, screen, PA system, 3 cabled microphones, Wi-Fi, full use of house lighting system, and a dedicated technician for sound and lighting. The space has a capacity of 280 in raked auditorium style.

What are the setup and breakdown time allowances included in hire rates?

Tenancy times include setup and breakdown, with recommendations of 1.5 hours for setup and 30 minutes for breakdown. For additional hours beyond the standard hire period, you need to speak to your sales contact for pricing.

When must invoices be paid and contracts signed before events?

Invoices must be paid prior to the event going ahead, and contracts must be signed before the event date. The venue requires both payment and signed contracts to be completed in advance of your event taking place.

How far in advance do popular spaces get booked, particularly for autumn dates?

Popular spaces like Cinema 1 and Auditorium 1 (both 220 capacity) book up well in advance, with October dates already unavailable when enquired about months ahead. Large conference groups can block availability for multiple consecutive days, so early booking is essential.

What is the Barbican's policy when requested dates are unavailable?

When your preferred dates are unavailable, the Barbican sales team will actively help find alternative venues that meet your requirements. They maintain relationships with other venues and can assist in securing suitable alternatives rather than leaving you to search independently.

Are there any unique features or installations that might affect event planning?

The Conservatory currently hosts site-specific art installations, such as works by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar. These installations are part of the venue's appeal but may influence your event design and should be considered when planning decorations or staging.

What catering arrangements are available and who provides the service?

Catering is provided by Searcys, the venue's in-house catering partner. All spaces have minimum catering spend requirements that must be met, ranging from £1,500+VAT for smaller spaces to £3,000+VAT for larger venues like the Garden Room & Conservatory.

What are the standard operating hours and access times for events?

Day hire typically runs 08:30-17:00, while evening hire runs 17:30-00:00. The venue can provide earlier access for setup, such as 3pm access which costs £750+VAT per hour. Event teams can typically access venues 1.5-2 hours before guest arrival for setup.