Events

What are the venue hire rates for the Exhibition Hall and what additional costs should I budget for?

The Exhibition Hall costs £1,788 + VAT per build-up day and £3,575 + VAT per event/open day. You must also budget for mandatory cleaning contribution of £425 + VAT, plus staffing costs including stewarding at £18.50 + VAT per hour (6-hour minimum), car park attendants at £18.50 + VAT per hour (6-hour minimum), and first aid at £185 + VAT per day (8-hour minimum). All staffing rates are subject to annual increases from April 1st each year.

What is the capacity and layout of the Exhibition Hall space?

The Exhibition Hall provides approximately 1,400m² of exhibition space on the ground floor of the grandstand. The space features natural daylight and is described as bright, vibrant and stylish. It's multifunctional and can accommodate trade shows, consumer shows, and product launches, though specific capacity numbers for different layouts are not specified in the available information.

What security and safety requirements are mandatory for events?

Security staffing is mandatory with SIA Security at £26.80 + VAT per hour (6-hour minimum) and SIA Licensed Supervisors at £28.30 + VAT per hour (6-hour minimum). First aid coverage is required at £185 + VAT per day with an 8-hour minimum. You must also provide public liability insurance with minimum £5 million cover. CCTV operators are available at £31.50 + VAT per hour (6-hour minimum) if required.

Are there restrictions on bringing external vendors or catering?

The venue mentions catering with minimum spends that apply, though specific amounts are listed as POA (price on application). For large outdoor events, they offer catering concession units with a minimum spend of £1,500 inc VAT per unit, or a buyout fee of £30,000 inc VAT for one live day if you prefer to supply your own catering. External food vendors must provide Health, Safety & Hygiene certificates and licenses for bars.

What are the parking and transport arrangements?

The venue offers complimentary car parking and has its own on-site train station providing direct routes to and from Waterloo. Car park attendants are available at £18.50 + VAT per hour with a 6-hour minimum if required for your event. The venue is easily accessible by road, rail and public transport.

What AV equipment and technical services are available?

AV equipment is available but pricing is listed as POA (price on application). Based on other quotes, typical AV includes projectors and screens (around £250 + VAT), microphones including lapel mics (around £60 + VAT), staging (around £250 + VAT), and AV technicians (around £395 + VAT per day). The venue mentions photocopying services are also available.

What are the setup and breakdown arrangements?

Build-up days are charged at £1,788 + VAT per day, separate from the event day rate of £3,575 + VAT. The venue can accommodate setup and breakdown requirements, though specific timing restrictions or access hours are not detailed in the available information. All staffing for setup and breakdown periods would be charged at the standard hourly rates with minimum hour requirements.

Are there any seasonal restrictions or special holiday rates?

Staffing is charged at double time on all Bank and Public Holidays including New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. This significantly increases costs for events on these dates. All additional service costs are subject to annual increases from April 1st each year.

What catering options and minimum spends apply?

The venue offers internal catering with minimum spends that apply, though specific amounts are listed as POA (price on application). For large events, they can provide catering concession units with a minimum spend of £1,500 inc VAT per unit. Alternatively, you can bring your own catering for a buyout fee of £30,000 inc VAT for one live day, but must provide Health, Safety & Hygiene certificates and licenses for any bars.

What is the booking process and how far in advance should I book?

The venue operates a hold system where spaces can be placed on hold while clients make decisions, and they release holds when clients choose alternative venues. Booking enquiries are handled by their events team who can check availability and provide detailed proposals. The venue appears to book well in advance, as evidenced by enquiries for dates over a year ahead being already unavailable.