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 our local community and visitors.
The Oval does not generally produce shows and is a receiving house only, and consequently has limited equipment. Visiting Performers and Production Companies are expected to be self-contained with regards to staging and technical equipment, unless agreed in advance with the Venue Manager.
The Oval will provide a designated Venue Manager to assist visiting Performers and oversee the set-up, but once ‘in’ Performers must be self-sufficient. If a Performer uses sound and lights, they must provide competent people to connect and operate all lighting and sound equipment and derig at the end. There is no Wi-Fi available at The Oval.
The Oval’s designated Venue Manager is responsible for the security, safety, and operational state of the site, as well as advising and assisting with The Oval’s very limited technical systems during the set-up period. Unfortunately, we are not able to assist with any unloading, lifting, carrying, building, carpentry, painting, rigging, focusing, plotting, or operating the show, unless specifically agreed in advance.
The Oval Bandstand is an outdoor performance venue with no cover for the audience and limited cover for the bandstand stage. The raised hexagonal stage is a 8m x 8m with the audience ‘in-the-round’ (please refer to Seating Layout), although the tiered seating area only covers approx. 280 degrees of the auditorium.
The stage and auditorium is constructed out of concrete and various other hard surfaces, and the bandstand structure is metal. Visiting Performers are not permitted to ‘pin’ or ‘fix’ into the stage or bandstand structure and are advised to use weights or cable ties instead. The Oval has ladders for accessing the top of the bandstand structure. Visiting Performers are welcome to use the ladders on the condition that they are fully insured, adhere to safe working practices, and are properly footed throughout their use.
There are two weatherproof 13A socket outlets situated at the back of the stage in an isolated panel.
All extension leads used in the bandstand should be weatherproof and have an IP54 rated enclosure. The Oval has a selection of IP54 rated extension leads that are available upon request from the Venue Manager.
There are 2 x 240v 3-pin power sockets located within the bandstand structure.
The Oval has a sound system available (7-days notice required), suitable for theatre playback, spoken word, stand-up comedy, and 3-4 piece live bands. It consists of the following equipment:
1 x SubZero SZ-MIX08USB 8-Channel USB Mixer/Interface
2 x Mackie Thump 12A 1300W Active PA Speakers and Stands
1 x Mackie Thump 18S 1200W Powered Subwoofer Speaker
1 x SubZero 200W 10″ Active Floor Monitor Speaker
4 x Vocal Microphones with Boom Stands & Microphone Clips
1 x Wireless Microphone System
Various Audio Cables and Connectors
Various Weatherproof Electrical Sockets and Cables
A full spec sheet of The Oval Bandstand’s sound equipment can be downloaded HERE.
The Oval also has a battery operated PA speaker with wireless microphones. Please note that The Oval does not have a CD player.
The Oval cannot provide a Sound Technician, if using our sound equipment it must be operated by a competent person as any damage caused through negligence must be paid for.
Performers using their own sound equipment must ensure it meets H&S legislation and is fit for use in the outdoors.
Performers are advised to check on the time of sunset during their performance at The Oval. In mid-June the daylight remains up until about 9.30pm, however in late September it gets dark as early as 7.30pm. Your show may or may not require lighting depending on your performance date. The Oval has no in-house show lighting. Performers requiring theatrical lighting will need to tour everything required including dimmers and board. Any lighting used should be suitable for outside use or suitable protection must be provided. Any equipment used in the production must have a current P.A.T certificate. If lighting is not ‘weather proof’ the Venue Manager reserves the right to refuse permission for its use.
The Oval has several 3m x 3m gazebos which performers can use to provide cover behind the bandstand, and these are available upon request from our Venue Manager. The gazebos are an easy four person set-up and break-down and take about 5 minutes to assemble. Performers using our gazebos must take them down before leaving.
A key for the accessible toilet is available from The Oval Kiosk, this facility may be used as a changing room for performers.
The Oval has a secure Site Office that can be used for the storage of personal possessions and equipment. It is a lockable room and The Oval is monitored by 24-7 CCTV, however items stored in this area are left entirely at the performers own risk.
All members of the visiting Performers team must take reasonable care for the health & safety of everyone who may be affected by the work you do at The Oval during your occupancy. You must comply with the Venue Manager’s instructions concerning health & safety.
All Performers must be familiar with The Oval’s inclement Weather Policy.
Cars and small vans can access The Oval site via the dropped kerb on Eastern Esplanade. Vehicles should drive around the amphitheatre in a clockwise direction, and MUST adhere to the strict 10mph speed limit. Hazard warning lights must be used whilst vehicles are in motion.
After unloading at the amphitheatres main access ramp all Performers vehicles must be parked in the designated area adjacent to the main site entrance (please see site map below).
For information on site access for people with reduced mobility, please CLICK HERE.
Performer’s vehicular access to the site (10mph maximum speed limit + hazard lights whilst moving)Vehicle Access Point A (ramp and steps) to the bandstand stage (the ramp must be clear of vehicles at least 15 mins prior to doors opening).
