Business

Events

Weddings

What are the exact 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, car park attendants, event support, and cloakroom staff at £18.50 + VAT per hour (6-hour minimum each). Security staff cost £26.80 + VAT per hour and first aid is £185 + VAT per day.

What capacity limits apply to different event layouts in the business spaces?

The Exhibition Hall provides approximately 1,400m² of ground floor space for trade shows and product launches. The Nigel Clarke Suite accommodates up to 38 in boardroom style, 50 cabaret style, or 80 theatre style. The Desert Orchid Suite holds up to 72 guests in cabaret layout with racecourse views and a private balcony.

What are the mandatory insurance and liability requirements?

All events require minimum £5 million public liability insurance cover. This is a mandatory requirement that must be in place before your event can proceed. The venue will need to see proof of this coverage as part of the booking process.

How much do staffing costs increase on bank holidays and what positions are mandatory?

All staffing is charged at double time on bank holidays including New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Mandatory positions typically include stewarding, car park attendants, event support, and security, all with 6-hour minimums. The exact staffing requirements depend on your event size and type.

What catering arrangements are available and what are the minimum spends?

The venue offers internal catering with minimum spends that vary by event (quoted as POA - price on application). You can bring external caterers, but they must provide health, safety, and hygiene certificates plus licenses for any bars. All catering arrangements must be approved by the venue in advance.

Are there capacity limitations for certain event types, particularly large gatherings?

Yes, the venue has confirmed they cannot accommodate events requiring 700 guests with 500 seated, as their kitchen facilities cannot service these numbers in seated capacity. For large events, you'll need to discuss specific requirements with the events team to determine feasibility.

What AV equipment is included and what are the additional costs?

Basic AV varies by space - some suites include projector and screen. Additional equipment costs include lapel microphones at £60 + VAT, large screen/projector at £250 + VAT, staging at £250 + VAT, and AV technician for the day at £395 + VAT. All AV costs are subject to annual increases from April 1st.

How far in advance do rates increase and what's the annual adjustment schedule?

All additional services costs including staffing are subject to annual increases from April 1st each year. This affects stewarding, security, car park attendants, event support, cloakroom staff, CCTV operators, and first aid costs. Plan your budget accordingly if booking events after this date.

What are the setup and breakdown day policies and costs?

Build-up days are charged at £1,788 + VAT per day for the Exhibition Hall. The venue allows setup time before events, but specific arrangements for breakdown timing should be confirmed with your event manager. Some events may require multiple setup days depending on complexity.

What commission structure applies to bookings made through agents?

The venue offers 12% commission plus VAT on net rates for bookings made through agents. This commission is calculated on the base venue hire costs and applies to confirmed bookings that proceed to completion.