Arts

Events

What is the capacity and pricing for The Grand hall at Olympia?

The Grand is Olympia's premium hall with a capacity of up to 7,000 people. This is a dry-hire space, meaning you'll need to arrange all furniture, production, A/V, and staging separately from the venue hire cost.

What does 'dry hire' mean and what additional costs should I budget for?

Dry hire means the venue provides only the empty space - no furniture, staging, A/V equipment, or production is included. You must factor in costs for all furniture, production equipment, A/V systems, staging, security, chairs, and staff to move equipment into your event budget.

What are the daily hire rates for different halls at Olympia?

The National Hall costs approximately £45,000 + VAT per day. West Hall Level One is £45,870 + VAT for a typical build/show/breakdown schedule (spanning 2-3 days). Pricing varies based on specific requirements and duration.

How much advance notice is required to book Olympia?

Olympia requires significant lead time for bookings. Enquiries with short lead times may be declined as 'too short lead' to accommodate properly.

What are the typical access and setup arrangements?

For dry hire events, you typically need 2 days for setup. Non-dry hire venues may allow setup from the morning of the event. Access times vary but can include full day access on setup day and late evening access for breakdown.

Are there restrictions on what types of events Olympia can accommodate?

Olympia can accommodate various event types including exhibitions, conferences, concerts, fashion shows, sporting events, and cultural performances. The venue has experience with events ranging from 200 to 7,000 attendees.

What catering and hospitality options are available?

Olympia has five catering outlets offering on-trend food and drink. The venue can provide catering services, though some events opt for external catering or self-catering arrangements where attendees purchase their own food and beverage.

What additional spaces and facilities are included with hall hire?

Depending on the hall hired, you may get access to breakout rooms, boardrooms, business lounges, and hospitality rooms. The newly refurbished Henley Suite offers eight meeting and seminar rooms. Gallery floors provide additional square footage and viewing areas overlooking the main event space.

What are the key features of Olympia's architecture and layout?

Olympia features stunning Victorian architecture with a famous glass barrel-vaulted roof, magnificent galleries, and ornate design. The vast ground floor spaces are often overlooked by large gallery floors, creating impressive views and additional event space options.

How do I contact Olympia for bookings and what information do I need to provide?

Contact Olympia Events at events.olympia.london or call 0207 598 2786. You'll need to provide your event dates, expected attendance, event type, budget, and specific requirements. The venue team will review details and respond with availability and pricing.