FAQs

Q. We're getting married next year and both have fond memories of The Halls. How do I arrange to view one of the halls to see if it is suitable for our wedding ceremony and reception?

A. If you are interested in hiring any part of our Halls please telephone the Halls Team on 01603 628477 or fill out the form on the Contact Us page or email us directly via thehalls@norwich.gov.uk so we can arrange to show you around.
Q. We think The Halls is the perfect venue for our event but what do we do about catering?

A. Our in-house caterer Chameleon Catering will be happy discuss your needs and prepare bespoke menus for your event. They are our preferred caterer for all dining events taking place at The Halls.

If you have your heart set on using another caterer then we will hire the kitchen to you for an additional charge (and a returnable deposit held against any necessary additional cleaning). This charge does not apply if Chameleon are your caterer.
Q. Can we bring our own alcohol for our event?

A. Hirers should note that the Halls Management Team has the sole right for the dispensing of all alcoholic drinks. Please ask to see our Wine List and Bar Prices, we think you will be pleasantly surprised. Should you wish to discuss providing your own wines please discuss this with the Management Team, there is always a corkage charge payable in such instances.
Q. Do I need insurance for my event?

A. This will depend very much on the nature of your event and what activities are occurring. If your event is a private one then it is less likely that you will need Public Liability insurance but there will be instances where it is strongly advisable - for example when hiring play equipment such as bouncy castles, bucking broncoes etc.

If you have any concerns about whether or not you need insurance please speak to a qualified Insurance advisor.

Public events will almost always require Public Liability insurance.
Written confirmation of the following will often be a condition of the event going ahead.
(1) A Public and Product Liability Insurance cover in force.
(2) Limit of Indemnity to be stated (minimum required £5,000,000).
(3) Name of Insurance Company/ies.
(4) Policy Numbers and Dates of Expiry.
Q. Can we park at The Halls?

A. There is very limited parking on site, restricted for essential vehicles only. These essential vehicles will be discussed and agreed during your booking process and will normally be restricted to three vehicles.
The Plain in front of St Andrews Hall may be used for unloading and loading but all non-essential vehicles must find alternative parking thereafter. Contact The Halls for up-to-date information regarding car parking.
Q. We need security at our event. How is this arranged?

A. As we discuss your event with you we will come to an agreement about the level of security required. We will then arrange the staff with our Security partner and the charges will be added to your bill. These charges are completely transparent.


Q. I am organising a large or public event at The Halls? What should I do about First Aid?

A. You should ensure that you make provision for First Aid cover. This should be done either by appointing appropriately qualified people who will be attending your event or by obtaining the services of a dedicated First Aid provider such as the St John Ambulance.
Q. I have additional power needs for my event, can you help?

A. There is no charge for the use of equipment that can be powered by standard 13 amp plug sockets but if you need more power then we have a 63amp 3 phase power supply in both our main Halls. There is an additional charge of £100 for using this more powerful supply. Please talk to us about your needs.
Q. We heard that you can't have amplified music at The Halls now, is this true?

A. No, it's not true. We can and do have amplified music at The Halls.

What is true is that we have a sound limiter in St Andrew's Hall set at 85dbA, active from 8pm each day. This does make it virtually impossible for amplified bands to play after 8pm but we regularly have events with DJs who are able to cope quite adequately with the restrictions. The cut-off time for amplified music is currently 10.30pm but there is no restriction on non-amplified music being played after that time.

Amplified music is not currently allowed in Blackfriars’ Hall - this is because of the proximity to residential neighbours and the likelihood of causing a noise nuisance.

Unamplifed or Acoustic Music - music played by purely acoustic instruments is not affected by the Sound Limiter and is permittable in both halls. It should be noted however that we still have a duty to avoid noise nuisance to our neighbours and therefore you should always seek clarification before arranging musical entertainment especially for events featuring loud acoustic music such as drumming.
Q. I want to use pyrotechnics as part of the entertainment at my event. What are the restrictions?

A. We are very happy to consider allowing activities which can be shown to be carefully planned and executed by competent persons. If you want to use fireworks, pyrotechnics or other explosive devices you need to discuss this at the early stages of the booking process. Such activities will only be considered provided that advanced notice of at least 4 weeks is given to the Halls Management, along with a site specific Risk Assessment, a Method Statement, and proof of specific Public Liability Insurance with a limit of liability of no less than £5million specifically covering the activity in question.
Q. Can we decorate the Halls for our event?

A. Yes, so long as you don't use any materials that damage or permanently mark the surfaces, fixtures and fittings of The Halls and so long as the decorations don't cause a hazard to anyone.

One decoration we cannot allow, unfortunately, is the helium balloon. This is purely because of the height of our ceilings. No matter how careful you might seek to be someone will always untie one and it will end up on our ceiling for the next month. Balloons filled with air, however, are most welcome.