Business

Events

Weddings

What are the booking hold periods and when do provisional options expire?

Provisional bookings are typically held for 7 days from the quote date. If the event is not confirmed and contracted within this timeframe, the venue reserves the right to release the space or offer it on a shared option to other clients. Some quotes may have shorter validity periods of 2 days depending on demand.

What is the minimum spend requirement for food and beverage at The Arena?

The Arena requires a minimum spend of £2,500 on food and beverage in addition to the room hire fee. This applies to events using this space and must be met through catering selections from the venue's menu options.

What are the room hire rates and capacity limits for The Arena wedding space?

The Arena measures 23m x 18m and costs £5,000-£6,500 for room hire depending on the event type and date. It can accommodate up to 350 people in theatre setup or 162 people with round tables for dining events.

What audio-visual equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

Basic room hire includes complimentary WiFi, still and sparkling mineral water, screen and projector, and 1 flipchart. Additional AV costs include PA System from £650-£750, microphones from £90-£100 each, and AV technician from £650 per day.

Can external suppliers be used and what documentation is required?

External AV equipment can be brought in at no additional venue cost, but each item must be provided with a PAT test certificate, RAM test, and liability insurance documentation. The venue works with trusted AV partners but allows external suppliers with proper certification.

What are the catering options and pricing for wedding events?

Christmas dinner packages are available at £110-£132 per person for minimum 120 people, including 3-course festive menu, half bottle of house wine, mineral water, and Christmas novelties. Other options include hot and cold fork buffet at £29 per person, sandwich lunch at £17.50 per person, and various canapé packages from £16-£27.50 per person.

What is the commission structure for bookings made through agents?

The venue pays 10% commission on the gross rate for bookings made through agents or third-party platforms. This commission is calculated on the total event cost before VAT.

How much advance notice is required for external catering approvals?

External catering requires at least two weeks advance notice to secure necessary approvals from the venue. Short-notice requests for external catering (less than two weeks) typically cannot be accommodated due to licensing and approval requirements.

What are the setup and timing restrictions for events?

Events can run from early morning (8:30am) to late evening (11:59pm) depending on the booking. Setup time is typically included in the day rate, and the venue can accommodate various layouts including theatre, cabaret, classroom, and reception styles.

Are there any accessibility requirements or accommodations available?

The venue mentions that stages must include ramps for accessibility compliance. The facility offers accessible meeting rooms and can accommodate specific accessibility needs, though guests should specify requirements during the booking process to ensure proper arrangements.