Venue Hire

The Oval Bandstand & Lawns (“The Oval”) events venue is owned and operated by GRASS Cliftonville CIC (“GRASS”), a not-for-profit social enterprise organisation that exists for the benefit of the local community and for visitors.

Our spaces can be hired for conferences, AGMs, photoshoots, product launches, meetings, receptions and weddings. Bringing your event to us helps supports our arts and learning activities.

You can apply to GRASS if you want to hire The Oval Bandstand & Lawns to put on an event. You must make sure you understand our requirements, and your obligations as a prospective Event Organiser before you apply to us.

Community and not-for-profit venue hire

We offer significantly reduced venue hire rates for community-based events that are organised with the intention of raising funds for a specific charity or not-for-profit group (proof of status will be required). While it is recognised that some community events will have some profit-making aspect, we shall expect there to be a strong charitable element in the way the event is organised.

Commercial venue hire

We welcome bookings from commercial organisations at our standard venue hire rates as long as there is a clearly defined charitable aspect or community benefit. A commercial event is one which is operated for profit where the Event Organisers are engaged in a business activity primarily for their own financial benefit. Promoters and Production Companies should also read our Production Policy.

What facilities are available?

The Oval is a licensed venue and has a fully stocked bar available on-site, together with a kiosk offering snacks, hot & cold beverages, and ice cream.

Event Organisers should note that all food and beverage operations at your event will be provided by the venue.

How much does it cost?

There is no charge for an initial enquiry (please see form below).

There is an admin charge for an Event Notice Application and payment will be required on submission of your completed form. 

Size of Event	Number of Attendees	Notice Period Required	Application Fee
Small	1-49	4 weeks / 1 month	£50
Medium	50-499	12 weeks / 3 months	£75
Large	500-999	24 weeks / 6 months	£150
Major	1000+	32 weeks / 8 months	£300

Once the Event Organiser has submitted the initial enquiry form below, we will be able to discuss venue hire fees, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Toilet hire and cleaning
• Commercial waste services
• Land hire fee
• SIA security 
• First Aid
• Equipment hire fee
• TEN’s application (if applicable)
• Deposit (returnable)

We welcome informal picnics on the lawns at The Oval.  However, please be aware that it can get very busy during the summer, so it’s always a good idea to check our What’s On page to see what other events are happening to ensure there will be available space.  

Please note that at The Oval the maximum informal group size is 12 people, any groups larger than this will be regarded as organised event and the Event Organiser must submit an initial enquiry form.

Premises License

The Oval Bandstand & Lawns is is a ‘wet hire’ venue for the supply of alcoholic drinks, which means we do not allow anyone hiring the venue to sell or give away their own alcohol. The venue is fully licensed for the Supply of Alcohol on and off the premises (Mon-Sun until 9pm), and for a range of licensable activities, such as:

• Recorded and Live Music
• Performance (Plays and Dance)
• Films
• Boxing and Wrestling

All our regulated entertainment is fully licensed on Friday & Saturday until 9pm, and Sunday to Thursday until 6pm, if you require your event to go beyond these finish times we must submit a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) on your behalf to Thanet District Council’s licensing team.

All ticketing for every event is run and  managed by the venue GRASS Cliftonville CIC.

Road Closures

All road closures applications require 12 weeks’ notice.

The following is guidance on the type of road closure you may need for your event:

Kent County Council – Temporary Traffic Regulation Order

• Sporting, leisure, social or entertainment events on the highway require the use of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. (e.g., cycle races, triathlons, running races)

Thanet District Council – Town Police Clauses Act

• Events that involve processions, rejoicing, illuminations, or ‘thronging’ will generally use the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (e.g., carnivals, Christmas Light Switch On, Remembrance Day events).

Initial Enquiry

If you would like to submit an initial enquiry to discuss hiring The Oval Bandstand & Lawns for your event, please complete the following form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

If you are a Market Operator and would like to hold a market at The Oval, please visit our Market’s page HERE.

If you have already contacted us and are ready to submit an Event Notice Application for your venue hire, please click HERE.

Event Organisers and their employees / volunteers are required to agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.