The John Betjeman Centre is a lovely building steeped in history with a modern and bright extension and is available to hire 7 days a week from morning til night.
We have many different sized rooms which can cater for all events from professional one-to-one meetings to music concerts. Each room has its own unique feel and furniture can be adjusted to suit the need.
We have free parking on a first come basis, a vibrant onsite café and clean toilets with baby changing facilities. The whole building is accessible to all.
Refreshments can be purchased from the café or you can include a tea trolley onto you hire during weekday events.
All rooms can be hired on an hourly basis but all events must finish by 11pm as we are situated in a residential area.
Room 1
12-15 people depending on layout – this room is really bright, airy room which can be set up in a number of ways from classroom to conference. It is popular with local businesses for management meetings and organisations providing training. It also has multimedia at an extra charge.
Cost to hire April 2024-March 2025: £11.50 an hour for charity/community events and £16 an hour for commercial bookings. Multimedia is an extra £5 a booking.
Room 2
8 people – this room is our quietest room away from the hustle and bustle of the café. This room is used regularly for massage sessions but is also popular for interviews and more formal meetings.
Outside it has our snug room with armchairs for those wanting to relax or waiting for their appointments.
Cost to hire April 2024-March 2025: £8 an hour for charity/community events and £13 an hour for commercial bookings.
Room 4
12-15 people depending on layout. This is an adjoining room to our Pavilion so can be used as an overflow or a room in its own right. It also has a hatch to the kitchen so it is popular if hirers require food or refreshments. A nice spacious room and very versatile.
Cost to hire April 2024-March 2025: £8 an hour for charity/community events and £13 an hour for commercial bookings.
The Pavilion – The Alan Weeks Room
Up to 80 seated. This is our biggest room. Recently renovated and has a new floor making it perfect for dance and exercise classes. It is used by choirs for singing practice and is a main venue for the town’s annual Folk Festival.
This could be hired for parties, theatre productions and fundraising events including tabletop sales and trade fairs.
Cost to hire April 2024-March 2025: £17.50 an hour for charity/community events and £26 an hour for commercial bookings. Multimedia is an extra £5 a booking.
To check availability and to request a booking form please contact Emma on 01208 812392 or email
To book, call or email us:
Please include your dates and requirements. You will be sent a booking form and costs. To secure the booking the form must be completed and returned and payment in full. Payment can be made over the phone with a card or by BACS.
