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.

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.

Car Parking

There are several disabled parking bays 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.

Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station – Margate (approx. 25-minute walk)

Nearest Bus Stops: Eastern Esplanade (approx. 30-seconds walk)

Seating

At our amphitheatre events we often have chairs. For further information on seating please CLICK HERE.

If you have a wheelchair, we will remove some of the chairs to create a space for you, as this will enable you to enjoy the event with the people you are attending with.

Toilets

The accessible toilet is free to use and access is with a National RADAR key. If you do not have one of these keys a member of staff will be happy to unlock the toilet for you.

A baby changing area can be found within the accessible toilet.

All our toilets within the main amphitheatre venue.

Personal Assistant Ticket

Discounted Personal Assistant Tickets are offered to those who require a companion to assist them in accessing the facilities at The Oval Bandstand (having a disability as defined by The Equality Act 2010).

Who is the personal assistant ticket not for? The ticket is not available to, or intended for, those who simply require a companion to assist with transportation to and from the venue, or to keep them company. The ticket is not offered to anyone who can cope independently in a public venue. 

Assistance Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs, and a bowl of water can usually be found at The Oval Kiosk.

Step-free Access

All seating areas are step-free and are fully wheelchair accessible, including the lower area surrounding the bandstand. The bandstand performance area is not currently wheelchair accessible.

 

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.

Staff Training

All core staff have undertaken a programme of training, which includes customer care, diversity and disability awareness. They are here to help customers enjoy the time they spend at The Oval Bandstand. If there is anything that we can do to make your visit more enjoyable, please contact us, we will be happy to assist you.