Hire the Church
Looking to hire St Mary’s for your event?
The venue
St Mary's church is formost a place of worship, which means that we have to consider whether certain events can take place within the church building. However please do get in contact as we can often accomodate a wide variety of events.
When major repairs and refurbishment were carried out at the turn of the century, the chancel area was remodelled with a raised (1 Meter high), flat, stage with sides reaching out into the side aisles and a curved apron reaching forward into the nave. Total ‘hall’ capacity is 600 which includes up to 150 people standing on stage, up to 350 in ground floor seating (cushioned pews) and up to 150 on the balcony.
Lightweight but robust purpose built staging of various heights can be modelled, assembled and dismantled to suit your requirements.
Light and sound
St Mary’s can provide operators of the sound and lighting systems according to requirements.
Keyboard and Organ
Hire includes the use of a fully weighted digital piano and a baby grand piano. An extra charge is made for the use of the organ and care is taken by the church to ensure that it is in good tune.
Accessible facilities
There are ramps for wheelchair access at both sides of the main entrance to the church. Within are designated areas in the auditorium for wheelchair users and escorts. A hearing loop is in operation. There are two wheelchair accessible toilets in the side entrance hallways at the rear of the church. There is signage and there are stewards ready to assist.
Bar refreshments
A licensed bar serving wine and soft drinks is operated by St Mary’s to support the running of the church and the development of its work in the town. It is open before events and during intervals.
Stewarding
St Mary’s will provide a Head Steward for each event but the hirer will be responsible for finding up to seven stewards to cover the fire exits. Brief training regarding this role will be given to each steward. If this is a problem, then please let us know in good time and we will see if we can help.
First Aid cover and Health and Safety issues
Hirers will need to provide two fully qualified first aiders for their event. We can recommend using either St John’s Ambulance (01869 324625) or British Red Cross (01295 269457) who will send a form on request. Hirers may, of course, take advantage of any of their own members who may be suitably qualified to perform this role.
St Mary’s carries out a regular safety risk assessment and the administrator will be happy to send a copy on request. Hirers may be required by their insurers to do the same. St Mary’s takes seriously the need to follow and prioritise such guidance, in particular the need to keep designated exit routes clear.
Using St Mary’s Church Centre
The centre, which lies adjacent to the church yard, offers nearby space for gathering prior to and after an event and has toilet, kitchen and changing facilities. If available, the centre can be booked through the church administrator (01295 253329).
Car parking
We are unable to offer car parking. Off street car parking is available nearby at a number of locations in or near the town centre as on the town map.
Insurance cover
All users of the building are required to provide proof to the church administrator that they carry not less than £5m public liability insurance. St Mary’s church carries its own building and public liability insurance cover.
Hire charges
The Church Administrator will be able to give you details of the charges that apply. These will vary with the service you request but the basic charge for a single performance allows the use of the building for ten hours to include rehearsal time. It also includes the use of sound and light services.
To book an event at the Church please complete and submit the booking form to office@banburystmary.org.uk
