Business

Events

Screenings

What are the hire rates and minimum catering spend for Cinema 1 screenings?

Cinema 1 day hire (08:30-17:00) costs £6,100+VAT and evening hire (17:30-23:00) costs £5,100+VAT. Both day and evening hires require a minimum catering spend of £5,000+VAT. The space has a capacity of 280 people in raked auditorium seating.

What AV equipment is included with Cinema 1 hire?

Cinema 1 includes a 34,000lms 4K DLP Cinema Projector with 1920 x 1080 50i HD resolution, screen, PA system, 3 cabled microphones, Wi-Fi, full use of house lighting system, and a dedicated technician for sound and lighting. All technical equipment and technician support are included in the hire rate.

What are the standard operating hours and setup times for screenings?

Day hire runs 08:30-17:00 and evening hire runs 17:30-23:00. Tenancy times include setup and de-rig - the venue recommends 1.5 hours for setup and 30 minutes for de-rig. For events requiring earlier access (such as 08:00 start), additional hours can be arranged through your sales contact.

Can Cinema 1 be combined with other spaces for reception or catering?

Yes, Cinema 1 can be combined with the Garden Room for receptions. The Garden Room evening hire (17:30-23:00) costs £8,100+VAT with a separate minimum catering spend of £5,000+VAT. This combination works well for events requiring both screening and reception space.

What is the booking and payment process for screenings?

Invoices must be paid prior to the event going ahead, and a signed contract is required. The venue will forward invoices to your finance team for payment and contracts must be signed and returned promptly to secure your booking.

Are there any restrictions on dates or availability for Cinema 1?

Cinema 1 can experience high demand, particularly during conference seasons. The venue mentions having large conference groups that can block availability for multiple days (such as September 8th-10th periods). Early booking is recommended to secure preferred dates.

What catering options are available and who provides the service?

Catering is provided by Searcys, the venue's in-house catering partner. All hires have mandatory minimum catering spends of £5,000+VAT. Catering menus are available from the sales team and can accommodate various dietary requirements including halal, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Is there space available for exhibition stands or partner displays during screenings?

While Cinema 1 itself is a raked auditorium, when combined with other spaces like the Garden Room or Frobisher areas, there can be space for roll-up banners and standing tables. The venue can accommodate partner stands in networking/catering areas, though this requires advance planning with your sales contact.

What is the capacity and seating style for Cinema 1?

Cinema 1 has a total capacity of 280 people in raked auditorium seating style. The raked seating provides excellent sight lines for all attendees, making it ideal for film screenings, presentations, and conferences requiring optimal viewing conditions.

Are there alternative screening spaces if Cinema 1 is unavailable?

The venue has multiple screening and presentation spaces including Auditorium 1 (220 capacity) and Frobisher Auditorium 2. If your preferred space is unavailable, the sales team will work to find alternative venues or suggest other suitable spaces within the Barbican Centre complex.