Business

Events

What are the capacity limits for different event spaces and layouts at BMA House?

The Great Hall accommodates up to 294 theatre style or 160 cabaret, while the Bevan Suite holds 150 theatre or 77 cabaret. Smaller spaces include the Tudor Hart room (14 boardroom), Anderson room (22 boardroom), and Garden & Garden room (90 guests maximum). The venue can accommodate events from 20 to 350 people depending on space selection and layout requirements.

What are the Day Delegate Rate (DDR) packages and minimum spend requirements?

DDR packages start from £90-£95 + VAT per person and include room hire (9am-5pm), separate catering room, arrival refreshments, mid-morning break, 2-course hot fork buffet lunch, afternoon refreshments, AV equipment, and event planner support. Minimum numbers typically apply - 70 for Bevan Suite, 120 for Great Hall, and 40 for smaller dinner packages.

Can external caterers be used and what are the catering minimum spends?

External catering is not permitted due to exclusive contracts with in-house caterers. Minimum catering spends include £250 + VAT for lunch in smaller rooms, £3,500 + VAT for larger events, and £35.95 per person minimum for 40 people in dining packages. All catering must be provided by BMA House's approved suppliers.

What are the room hire costs for different spaces?

Room hire varies significantly by space: Tudor Hart room £660 + VAT, Anderson room pricing available on request, Great Hall £5,520 + VAT (evening), Snow room £2,700 + VAT, and Bevan Suite £1,650 + VAT (half day). Wedding venue hire starts at £6,600 for recommended spaces including Prince's Room, Snow Room, Garden and Garden Room.

What timing restrictions apply to different event spaces?

The Garden closes at 22:00 but events can continue in the Garden room until 23:00. Garden & Garden room bookings are restricted to 6:30pm-11pm for certain event sizes. Most meeting rooms operate 9am-5pm, with evening events typically running 6:30pm-11:30pm. Setup access varies by event type and may require additional arrangements.

What AV equipment and technical support is included?

Standard AV includes data projector, screen, PA system with up to 3-8 microphones (depending on room), laptop, lectern, staging and lighting, and technical support for setup. The Great Hall features extensive AV with high-powered projector, multi-channel mixing desk, multiple microphones, LED lighting, and full-day technical support. Heavy AV requirements may need a second technician at £450 + VAT per day.

How long do enquiries remain active and what are the booking deadlines?

Enquiries typically expire in the venue's system after specific deadlines - examples include 25th June and 25th July mentioned in correspondence. The venue experiences high enquiry volumes with 1-2 day response times. Site visits can be arranged, and decisions should be made promptly to secure preferred dates.

What accessibility features are available throughout the venue?

The venue offers wheelchair accessibility, though the 3rd floor requires use of a wheelchair lift with weight limitations that may not accommodate electric wheelchairs. Full accessibility details must be discussed in advance, and the venue notes that some spaces may have accessibility considerations that need advance planning.

What are the pricing and packages for wedding events?

Wedding packages start with venue hire at £6,600 (14:00-23:30) including dedicated wedding planner, security, staff, Chiavari chairs, tables, linen, and all crockery. The Lavender Package costs £170 per person including welcome prosecco, canapés, three-course meal, wine, toast drink, and evening food truck, with minimum numbers of 40 applying.

Are there specific restrictions for evening events and parties?

Evening events typically end by 11pm-11:30pm in most spaces, with the Garden closing at 22:00. Bar setup costs £250 + VAT with amounts able to be put behind the bar pre-event. The venue can accommodate parties but specific timing restrictions apply depending on the space hired and event type.