Your Visit
Introduction
The Oval Bandstand is an outdoor events venue, set on the coastline at Walpole Bay in Cliftonville, and is one of Thanet’s most vibrant venues.
We offer a warm welcome to everyone and aim to offer an excellent level of service to all our customers. We really want you to enjoy your time with us so if you need us to resolve an issue while you are at The Oval Bandstand, please speak to one of our staff who will remedy the situation as best they can.
The venue hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, with lots going on during the summer season. Full details of all forthcoming events are available on our What’s On calendar.
Tickets
Tickets for events held at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns are available at EVENTBRITE
How to get here
- By Road – We are located at Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2HL. There is very limited local car parking and charges may apply.
- By Rail – There are regular train services to Margate from London.
- By Bicycle or on Foot – We are about 1.5 miles (25-minute walk) from Margate Railway Station and 4 miles (80-minute walk) from Broadstairs along the Viking Coastal Trail.
Car Parking
There are several parking bays suitable for disabled persons located directly in front of The Oval Bandstand on Eastern Esplanade.
Taxi Drop Off
If travelling by Taxi, please ask your driver to drop you at the main entrance on Eastern Esplanade.
Venue Capacity
The Oval Bandstand is a multi-level venue with a standard capacity of 499 people (this can be increased with extra portable toilet provision).
Site Entrances
The Oval Lawns is an open site and is accessible by foot from Eastern Esplanade and Queen’s Parade (aka the upper promenade or The Viking Trail).
The Oval Bandstand is a multi-tiered amphitheatre venue. The main entrance for events is via the step-free ramp at the Queen’s Parade (northern) side of the venue.
If you have any special access requirements, please let us know in advance.
Entry to Events
We usually open the doors one hour before the event (depending on the event, please see publicity), as this helps to avoid queuing for long periods.
You can also come and visit the venue when there is nothing on if you think it would be helpful to familiarise yourself with the site before you attend an event.
Food & Drink
Takeaway refreshments are available throughout the day from The Oval Kiosk, including hot & cold drinks, ice cream, cakes & pastries, cream teas, sausage rolls and light snacks.
A licensed bar is available at many of our events, serving beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, etc.
During events only food & drink purchased on-site can be consumed within The Oval’s amphitheatre.
Toilets
Toilet facilities are available at the venue and they are free to use when The Oval Kiosk is open, please CLICK HERE for current opening hours.
If there is a ticketed event taking place at the venue the toilet facilities may be closed to the general public.
Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet, please ask at The Oval Kiosk for the RADAR key.
Accessibility
For information on accessibility please CLICK HERE.
Smoking and Vaping
The Oval Bandstand amphitheatre is a no smoking and no vaping venue.
Safety & Security
The Oval Bandstand is committed to the safety and security of all our visitors and staff. At most events we have enhanced security, and your bags may be checked on entry.
Alcohol purchased off-site cannot be brought into the amphitheatre during events.
Venue Plans
Standard and large print plans of the Venue are available on request.
Public Telephone
There is no public telephone on site.
Fire Alarms
The fire alarms give an audible warning only. There is no visual display. A member of staff will assist in the event of a fire alarm. If you are unlikely to be able to hear the alarms or will need assistance to exit the building if the fire alarm sounds, please tell a member of staff on your arrival.