The venue
St Mary's Church is foremost a place of worship, which means that we must consider whether certain events can take place within the church building. However, please do get in contact as we can often accommodate a wide variety of events.

When major repairs and refurbishment were carried out at the turn of the century, the chancel area was remodelled with a raised (one meter high), flat, stage with sides reaching out into the side aisles and a curved apron reaching forward into the nave. Total ‘hall’ capacity is 600 which includes up to 100 people on the stage, up to 400 in ground floor seating (cushioned pews) and up to 100 on the balcony.

Lightweight but robust purpose-built staging of various heights can be modelled, assembled and dismantled to suit your requirements.

Light and sound
St Mary’s can provide operators of the sound and lighting systems according to requirements.

Instruments
For an additional charge the organ, a baby grand piano, a fully weighted digital piano, and drum set are available to hire. Care is taken to ensure all instruments are in good tune.

Accessible facilities
There are ramps for wheelchair access at both sides of the main entrance to the church. Within the church are designated areas in the auditorium for wheelchair users and escorts. A hearing loop is in operation. There are two wheelchair accessible toilets in the side entrance hallways at the rear of the church.

Refreshments
A licensed bar serving wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee is operated by St Mary’s to support the running of the church and the development of its work in the town. It is open before events and during intervals.

Stewarding
St Mary’s will provide a Head Steward for each event, together with a number of welcomers to cover the fire exits, direct customers to their seats, serve refreshments, etc.

First Aid cover and Health & Safety issues
Hirers will need to provide two fully qualified first aiders for their event. We can recommend using either St John’s Ambulance (01869 324625) or British Red Cross (01295 269457) who will send a form on request. Hirers may, of course, take advantage of any of their own members who may be suitably qualified to perform this role.

St Mary’s carries out a regular safety risk assessment, and the administrator will be happy to send a copy on request. Hirers may be required by their insurers to do the same. St Mary’s takes seriously the need to follow and prioritise such guidance, in particular the need to keep designated exit routes clear.

Using St Mary’s Church Centre
The centre, which lies adjacent to the church yard, offers nearby space for gathering prior to and after an event, and has toilet, kitchen and changing facilities. If available, the centre can be booked through the Church Administrator.

Car parking
Unfortunately, there is no parking onsite. But, there are numerous car parks nearby, namely along Horse Fair, North Bar and South Bar (all free after 6.00pm). Alternative car parking is also available at Castle Quay.

Insurance cover
All users of the building are required to provide proof to the Church Administrator that they carry not less than £5m public liability insurance. St Mary’s Church carries its own building and public liability insurance cover.

Hire charges
The Church Administrator will be able to give you details of the charges that apply. These will vary with the service you request, but the basic charge for a single performance allows the use of the building for ten hours to include rehearsal time. It also includes the use of sound and light services.

For further information please contact the Church Administrator
Telephone: 01295 276045   E-mail: [email protected]