The Royal Albert Hall provides a unique venue in the heart of London for every kind of event. The Hall is available for hire by event organisers and commercial promoters and offers a package of facilities and services designed to ensure that each event meets its full potential. The following are included in rental and tickets sales fees:
Conditions of hire
In order to maintain the Royal Albert Hall's reputation and charitable objectives, we have a strict process in selecting all proposed events. Information in writing will be required to determine whether an event will fit into our programme of events. Please note that the Royal Albert Hall does not cater for birthdays or weddings.
Seating Capacity
Ordinary Let maximum capacity: 3,951
Exclusive Let maximum capacity: 5,272
In 1871, to raise extra funds for the completion of the building, private individuals were invited to purchase 999 years leases on some of the seats in the Hall. Under a Royal Charter stating the basis on which the Hall operates, most events are classified as Ordinary Lets and the Members are entitled to occupy their seats. However, in some cases an event may be classified as an Exclusive Let and the Members are therefore excluded from their seats. Such classifications are granted on a limited basis dependent on the nature of the event. On such occasions the privately owned seats are also available to the promoter for sale to the public.
Ticket Sales
Ticket commission is payable on all ticket sales. This commission is payable on all events whether sold through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office or external agents. Where no tickets are to be sold, a minimum ticket commission will be payable. For first time users of the Hall a 100% deposit including rental and minimum ticket commission plus VAT will be required.
Charity Rate
The Royal Albert Hall is a charity and in recognition of the importance of supporting other registered charities within the community offers 40 charity lettings each year. Subject to availability and provided the charity itself contracts with the Hall, a reduction of the rental fee will apply.
Visitor Access Period
Hire of the Hall covers a five-hour visitor access period for your event (which commences when the doors open). Should you require an extended period, a fee per hour or part thereof will be charged.
Banqueting & Event Catering
When you hire the Hall exclusively for your event a number of options are available to you.
Public Restaurants and Bars
These are available for use, subject to the nature of your event and audience demands.
Banqueting in the Auditorium
The Auditorium can be transformed into central London's largest dining room, seating up to 2,000 diners.
Event Spaces
Subject to availability, a selection of rooms may be used during your event for pre, post and/or interval receptions and VIP receptions.
Event Spaces
Gallery
The Gallery runs around the top of the Auditorium inside the Hall and offers breathtaking views down onto the Arena. A sit-down dinner can be arranged in this stunning area for 300 people or a buffet/drinks reception for 500 people.
Henry Cole Room
This room takes 20 people for a sit down dinner or 32 people for a buffet or drinks reception.
Arena Foyers
There are two air conditioned Arena Foyers situated in the basement level: the East Arena Foyer and West Arena Foyer. Each holds 100 for a sit-down reception or 180 for a standing reception.
Prince of Wales Room
Situated on the Grand Tier level just along from the Henry Cole Room, the newly refurbished Prince of Wales Room takes 30 people for a sit-down dinner or 40 for a buffet or reception.
Royal Retiring Room
Situated on the Grand Tier level, opposite the Queen's Box, the Royal Retiring Room is used by the Royal Family when present at the Hall. The room is decorated with antique pictures of the Royal Family through the ages and furniture to match, including gold-leaf chaise-longues. The Royal Retiring Room offers exclusive dining for 20 people or a sumptuous buffet or reception for 30 people.