Business

Events

Screenings

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

Day hire (08:30-17:00) for Frobisher Auditorium 2 costs £5,100+VAT with a minimum catering spend of £5,000+VAT. Evening hire (17:30-23:00) is £5,100+VAT with the same £5,000+VAT minimum catering spend. An overnight hold between events costs £950+VAT.

What capacity and seating arrangements are available in the Frobisher spaces?

The Frobisher Suites can accommodate 10-170 theatre style, 24-100 classroom, 16-32 boardroom, 24-96 cabaret, 50-175 reception, or 50-150 fork buffet. The Triple Room configuration seats 170 theatre style or 96 cabaret style. Cinema 1 has a total capacity of 280 in raked auditorium seating.

What AV equipment and technical support is included with the venue hire?

All Frobisher spaces include LCD projector (8000lms WUXGA resolution), built-in front projection screen, and Wi-Fi. Cinema 1 features a 34000lms 4K DLP cinema projector, PA system, 3 cabled microphones, full house lighting system, and a dedicated technician for sound and lighting. The Frobisher Auditorium has four simultaneous translation booths and fully integrated stage lighting and sound rigs.

What are the standard tenancy times and setup requirements?

Tenancy times include setup and de-rig within the hire period. The venue recommends allowing 1.5 hours for setup and 30 minutes for de-rig. Day hire runs 08:30-17:00 and evening hire runs 17:30-23:00. Additional hours beyond these times can be arranged by speaking with your sales contact.

Are there any 220-capacity spaces available and what are the booking challenges?

The venue has two 220-capacity spaces: Cinema 1 and Auditorium 1. However, these spaces experience high demand and are frequently booked, particularly during peak periods. The venue may suggest alternative dates if your preferred date is unavailable, as flexibility with dates significantly improves booking success.

What payment terms and contract requirements apply to bookings?

Payment must be made prior to the event taking place, with invoices forwarded to finance teams for processing. A signed contract is also required before the event can proceed. The venue's finance team handles invoice payments, and contracts must be signed and returned promptly.

What catering arrangements and restrictions apply to events?

All venues have mandatory minimum catering spends ranging from £1,500+VAT to £5,000+VAT depending on the space. Catering is provided by Searcys, the venue's in-house catering partner. The venue can accommodate dietary requirements including halal, vegan, and vegetarian options, or clients may be permitted to bring their own catering in specific circumstances.

Are there any unique venue features or restrictions for the Conservatory space?

The Conservatory is a tropical oasis housing exotic fish and over 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees. It currently hosts site-specific art installations which may affect event planning. Evening hire (17:30-00:00) costs £7,800+VAT with a £3,000+VAT minimum catering spend. The space accommodates 220 banquet, 180 dinner/dance, 450 reception, 180 seated buffet, or 350 fork buffet.

What additional equipment and services are available for hire?

Additional equipment includes PA system and microphone for £111+VAT, 55" LCD screens for £175+VAT, and stages are available free of charge. The venue can provide professional bartenders and DJ stages for events. Large LED screen installations can be accommodated with advance notice, typically requiring 5-6 hours for setup.

How far in advance should bookings be made and what affects availability?

The venue experiences high demand, particularly for popular spaces and dates. Large conference groups can block availability for multiple days (such as 3-day periods from 8th-10th September). Peak periods and preferred dates book quickly, so early enquiries and date flexibility are strongly recommended to secure your preferred space.