DIGI LIVE HELP NEEDED...
Added 2022-09-26 13:33:16 +0000 UTCHello, all. We’re trying to sort out Digi Live for next year, and we’ve got a slight issue with Harrow Arts Centre.
Basically… they’ve not only put up their hire prices quite a bit since last year, but they’re no longer allowing anyone to sell their own tickets, which means that we wouldn’t get paid until AFTER the event next year. This makes it untenable for us, as we need that money to pay off the fairly hefty deposit, as well as the upfront production costs of the show itself.
So! We’re having to think outside the box, and I just wanted to throw it open to all of you, if you have any ideas.
Here’s what we need:
Somewhere with the capacity for around 400-500 people, available on both a Friday and Saturday evening next summer.
Preferably with space for daytime events/exhibits on the Saturday.
Preferably with space for socialising.
Preferably a bar (or at least would allow us to hire a licensed bar).
And they’d let us sell our own tickets.
We’re looking at one other potential venue near to Harrow Arts, and it may yet end up being at Harrow Arts, but we’re willing to think a bit further afield. North London is preferable, but we’re willing to travel out a way if the venue and price is right. Yes: even THE MIDLANDS!!!!
Anyway, if anybody has any bright ideas… please let me know in the comments.
Comments
The Conway Hall idea above probably ideal for you, but enjoyed the 50-hour impro show I once went to at Hoxton Hall, not sure it ticks every box for you - eg 290 seats rather than 400 - but just in case... https://www.hoxtonhall.co.uk/hire/our-spaces/
Dominic Maxwell
2022-09-28 11:28:46 +0000 UTCIt is indeed! I'll keep you posted, David.
Paul Rose (Mr Biffo)
2022-09-26 18:23:02 +0000 UTCThanks, Paul. I forgot to mention, Hatch End High School is probably already your Plan B for somewhere near Harrow Arts Centre, but just in case: https://hatchend.schoolhire.co.uk
David Walford
2022-09-26 18:21:36 +0000 UTCNice place!
Paul Rose (Mr Biffo)
2022-09-26 18:15:20 +0000 UTCOooh, that's a good shout, David. Thank you.
Paul Rose (Mr Biffo)
2022-09-26 18:15:02 +0000 UTCThis venue in Milton Keynes only seats 380, but it does have plenty of parking, a bar, and you can sell your own tickets: https://www.thevenuemk.com/hire/
David Walford
2022-09-26 17:37:42 +0000 UTCD'oh! Just realised the venue capacities aren't what you're looking for. Millennium Point is 354, and the MAC is only 219.
Simon Lee Tranter
2022-09-26 15:26:10 +0000 UTCI'm guessing you would prefer London area, purely for convenience and logistics, but if you're considering the Midlands, Millennium Point in Birmingham might be an option. What used to originally be the IMAX cinema is now an auditorium space for hire. It's really modern inside, with excellent, tiered seating, and a top notch AV setup. You can sell your own tickets for events here, I believe. It's also really close to major train stations like New Street and Moor Street. Website: https://www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/events-spaces/discover-spaces/auditorium/ There's also the Midlands Arts Center (MAC) in Birmingham, which is more of a dedicated arts and performance venue. Perhaps not quite as centrally situated as Millennium Point, but still pretty easy to get to. Being a performance venue, it has better backstage and wing areas. Looks like you can sell your own tickets here too. Website: https://macbirmingham.co.uk/hire/type/performances-theatre-hire
Simon Lee Tranter
2022-09-26 15:11:41 +0000 UTCWe did walk past a cute little theatre when we were in Birmingham last year, that would have been perfect.
Sanja Rose
2022-09-26 14:13:45 +0000 UTCPushes the definition of North London quite far as it's the 'wrong side' of the M25, but does have a mainline rail station. Been there for wrestling events in the distant past, nice place. https://www.thespotlightvenue.com/venue-hire/main-hall
Dave Culley
2022-09-26 14:11:29 +0000 UTCI have no venue help BUT you should definitely come to The Midlands™️We have fun things like the commonwealth games and uh...Birmingham New Street station?
Chai
2022-09-26 14:08:41 +0000 UTCor https://bac.org.uk/venue-hire/conferences/ is much bigger (though not cheap)
Karl Wilding
2022-09-26 14:05:36 +0000 UTCThanks, James.
Paul Rose (Mr Biffo)
2022-09-26 14:01:50 +0000 UTCConway Hall looks amazing!
Sanja Rose
2022-09-26 13:58:34 +0000 UTCIn case helpful - though tops out at 375 people https://richmix.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Rate-Card-2022-23.pdf
Karl Wilding
2022-09-26 13:58:17 +0000 UTCSorry to hear about this complication, but I'm pleased you are considering other venues as CheapShow 300 left me with a poor opinion of Harrow Arts Centre. I'd love a slightly more central London venue with a better bar if you can find one.
Leyton Jay
2022-09-26 13:55:11 +0000 UTCConway Hall, near Holborn in Central London sounds pretty ideal for your needs (I used to be a trustee so can vouch for them). https://www.conwayhall.org.uk/venue-hire/ Main Hall = 400 capacity seated theatre-style, they can run a licensed bar for events. Plus there are other rooms on site for smaller stuff during the day. And they have filming/streaming capacity too if you want that.
James O'Malley
2022-09-26 13:50:29 +0000 UTCThe AdventureX conference recently had to find a new venue in London. Might be worth asking them if they've any suggestions, maybe, as I think they talked to a load of places. They needed a similar capacity, and had already sold tickets. On Twitter - https://twitter.com/AdvXConf/status/1557730953174192130
James Sutherland
2022-09-26 13:46:07 +0000 UTC
