FAQS
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about hiring the hall. We hope you find these helpful in planning your event. If you have a question not answered here please just get in touch.
📅 Booking & Payment
How much does it cost to hire?
Our hire prices can be found here.
How do I check availability?
Check the hall calendar here.
How do I make a booking?
Send us a booking request here. We will check the details and email you to confirm.
How do I make the payment?
We will send you an invoice. Payment instructions are shown on your invoice. If you cannot pay by bank transfer, please contact us
Do I have to pay all in one go?
Most bookings require full payment in advance.
Larger events may require a booking deposit, with the balance due at least 4 weeks before the event.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
For most small events, such as children’s birthday parties, no deposit is required. However, hirers are responsible for any damage or additional cleaning required as a result of their booking.
For larger or higher-risk events (for example evening parties, events involving alcohol, or external suppliers), a refundable security deposit of £100 or more may be required.
The level of deposit is set by the Hall Management Committee depending on the nature of the booking and risk level.
All deposits are refundable provided the hall is left in good condition and all hire conditions are met.
All bookings are subject to our Standard Conditions of Hire and Payment, Deposit and Cancellation Policy.
Do I need to book time for setting up and clearing up?
Yes - you must allow sufficient time before and after your event for setup and clearing away.
For parties, we recommend at least 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after your booking.
Weekend hires therefore have a 3-hour minimum booking period.
Please note that bookings may run back-to-back, so setup time must be included in your booking.
This is especially important if you are using external suppliers such as bouncy castles, caterers, or entertainers.
What if I need to cancel?
Please refer to our Payment, Deposit and Cancellation Policy.
When do I get my deposit back?
Deposits are refunded within 7 days of the end of your hire, provided all conditions have been met.
You will need to provide bank details (name on account, account number, and sort code).
🔑 Access
How do I access the hall?
Access instructions for the key will be sent by email once your payment is received, or at least 7 days before your hire date.
The key remains the responsibility of the named hirer and must not be passed to or used by anyone else.
🚗 Parking
Is there parking?
Yes - there is a car park at the rear of the hall, accessed via the High Street, with space for approximately 30 cars.
The car park is shared and spaces cannot be guaranteed.
Additional parking is available on Elin Way and along the High Street – please park considerately.
Parking is at users’ own risk.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
When leaving late in the evening, please be considerate of neighbours and keep noise to a minimum.
🎉 Activities, Entertainment & Use of the Hall
What is the capacity?
200 seated for a performance (160 chairs available)
150 party/dance events
QEII room: up to 15 people
Can I use entertainers, DJs, or performers?
Yes - entertainers such as DJs, musicians, performers, and activity providers are welcome.
Please let us know at the time of booking so we can ensure the space and any setup requirements are suitable.
Can I use the garden?
Yes - hirers are welcome to use the community garden responsibly.
The garden is well fenced but not child-proof, so children must be supervised at all times.
Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere on site, including the garden.
Can I have a bouncy castle?
Yes - this must be stated on your booking request and approved under our Bouncy Castle Policy.
Bouncy castles must:
- comply with safety requirements
- fit within designated areas
- be installed and supervised by the supplier
They must not be placed outside.
Can I decorate the hall?
Yes - freestanding decorations such as balloons, arches, and table décor are welcome.
No fixing to walls, ceilings, or painted surfaces.
External suppliers are welcome for larger decorative setups.
Can I use the stage?
Yes - at your own risk.
Please notify us if you intend to use the stage for performances so we can discuss AV requirements.
Stage curtains must only be operated using pulley ropes. Do not pull the fabric.
Children must be supervised at all times and are not permitted on the stage without adult supervision.
Are animals allowed in the hall?
Assistance dogs, including guide dogs and hearing dogs, are welcome in the hall.
All other animals are only permitted with prior written permission from the Village Hall management.
🍽️ Catering
Can I have BBQs, hog roasts, or fire pits?
No - these are not permitted due to fire risk and the timber-clad building.
Can I have food trucks in the car park?
Yes - but only with written permission from the Village Hall management.
You are responsible for:
- allocating space in the car park
- cordoning off the area safely
- ensuring public safety at all times
All suppliers must hold appropriate insurance (£1m+ public liability) and provide details in advance.
Vehicles must not be driven on the paved garden areas.
Can I bring outside catering?
Yes – with written permission from the Village Hall management.
All suppliers must hold appropriate insurance (£1m+ public liability) and provide details in advance.
Electrical equipment and cables must be safely installed and secured.
🪑 Equipment and furniture
What equipment do you have in the kitchen?
The kitchen includes:
- Electric single oven
- Hob
- Microwave
- Air fryer
- Hot water boiler (instant hot water)
- 50/50 fridge freezer
- Crockery, glassware, cutlery, glass jugs, a selection of plastic children’s tableware, and various cooking equipment (pots, pans, baking trays etc).
- Tea towels, cleaning cloths, and disinfectant
A full inventory can be provided on request.
What does the QEII meeting room have?
A self-contained kitchen area with sink, kettle, and under-counter fridge with small freezer compartment. Plus mugs, plates, bowls, cutlery etc.
Tables and chairs are available from the storage room.
Are tables and chairs included?
Yes - available for both the Main Hall and QEII room:
- 18 Gopak tables (6ft x 2ft 3”)
- 160 stackable cushioned chairs
- 4 kitchen chairs
- foyer/meeting chairs
- 14 small tables
- 30 children’s chairs
- 1 round display table available on request
🔊 AV & Equipment
Do you have a speaker for music?
Yes - 2 portable Bluetooth speakers available to hire (£10 each) with microphone and disco lights.
Do you have a projector and screen?
Yes - available on request with a £20 setup fee.
How do I operate the heating?
Heating is preset for when the hall is in use.
Temperature can be adjusted via the thermostat in the bar passage. Please do not adjust wall heaters.
Do you have air-conditioning?
No
Do you have WiFi?
Yes – details are sent in advance and also displayed in the foyer.
♿ Accessibility & Safety
What accessibility features does the hall have?
Level access throughout main areas, accessible toilet, and hearing loop.
The stage is the only area with steps.
Do you have baby changing facilities?
Yes - in the accessible toilet.
Nappies must be taken home for disposal.
Potties are also available in the female toilets.
What do I do in an emergency?
Follow the Fire Policy and signage displayed in the hall.
Emergency contact numbers are on the front door.
In the event of a serious incident, follow instructions from the emergency services. If appropriate, follow the “Run, Hide, Tell” guidance.
Do you have first aid equipment?
Yes - located in the kitchen:
- First aid kit
- Eye wash station
- Accident book
An AED (defibrillator) is mounted on the outside wall (Elin Way side).
🧹 Cleaning & Waste
What cleaning is required at the end of my hire?
Please leave the hall in the same condition as you found it.
Before you leave, please ensure:
- All rubbish is removed from the site, including anything left in the fridge
- Any spills are cleaned immediately and again before leaving
- Floors are swept and the hoover is used if necessary (especially carpeted areas such as the foyer)
- Kitchen surfaces are cleaned and all crockery, glassware, and cutlery are washed and returned to cupboards
- Tables are wiped and all furniture returned to the storeroom (please follow the layout photo on the wall)
- Chairs must be moved using the trolley provided - do not drag chairs as this damages the floor
- Toilets do not need cleaning, but must be left tidy
- Nappies must be taken home for disposal
What do I do with my rubbish?
There are two plastic bins with bin bags in the main hall for use during your hire. Additional bin bags are available in the kitchen.
Please remove all bin bags from the main hall bins at the end of your hire.
Rubbish must be placed in the blue wheelie bin on the access road.
If the bin is full, you must take rubbish home - do not leave it on the access road.
Do you have recycling facilities?
No - we currently do not have any on-site recycling facilities. All recyclables (cardboard, cans, glass, etc.) must be taken home.
📑 Policies and Licenses
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere on the Village Hall site, including inside the building, in the garden, and around the entrance.
Can I serve alcohol?
Yes - but only for free and not included in ticket price.
Can I sell alcohol?
Only with a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) or appropriate licence.
Do I need permission for a TEN?
Yes - written permission is required before applying as these are limited per venue.
What licenses does the hall have?
· Premises licence from South Cambridgeshire District Council covering a range of activities including film and dramatic performances, parties, and other social events
· Music licence from PRS and PPL
The hall does not have a TV license
Can I show a film?
Yes - but must be agreed at booking stage.
AV setup is required and carries a £20 charge.
☂️Lost Property
I’ve left something at the hall
We keep lost property up to 6 months, depending on the item. Contact us for more information.
🏛️ Viewings
Can I view the hall before booking or to measure for my event?
Yes - viewings are available by appointment only.
As the hall is often in use for private bookings, and for reasons of safety and security, we cannot allow walk-in visits or entry unless an advertised public event is taking place.
We’d be delighted to show you around though so please contact us to arrange a suitable time to view the hall.