HAVE
FAITH
IN YOUR
VENUE
Louisa Daley explores the concept
of using religious buildings for events
eligious events are regularly hosted at religious
buildings. So, why do event professionals not
consider the same for
their events?
To encourage the events industry to choose
something different, we explore Westminster
Abbey, Church House Westminster, The
Monastery Manchester, Audacious Church, LSO St.
Luke’s and All Saints Church to see what religious
buildings can offer event professionals.
Westminster
Abbey
Westminster Abbey is said to be the
most iconic, religious building in
London. The Gothic church is rich
with British history from hosting
every Coronation since 1066 as well
as 17 Royal weddings, to being the
resting place for over 3,000 people,
including all Tudor monarchs (except
Henry VIII) and Charles Dickens,
Isaac Newton and Edward the
Confessor, the last Saxon King.
EVENT SPACES
Although the Abbey cannot be hired
for conferences, it typically hosts
events such as receptions and
dinners until 10pm. Choose from
four event spaces:
The Cellarium is a contemporary
space which can be used for evening
events. In reception layout it can host
120 guests, banquet dining for 54
guests and cabaret dining for 70
guests.
The Cellarium Terrace is also a
contemporary event space which has
access to a small, private outdoor
area, suitable for a drink’s reception
for 60 guests or 40 for dinner.
Cheyneygates is part of the
Deanery and can be used to host
breakfast meetings, business
lunches and evening receptions or
dinners. Sixty guests can enjoy a
reception, while there is space for 36
to dine.
College Garden is typically used in
June and July for formal gala dinners
and informal receptions. It also has a
glass marquee and a decked porch
area to embrace the summer
atmosphere. Up to 500 guests can
enjoy a drink’s reception, while
dinner accommodates 240.
POPULAR SPOTS
If you are looking to explore the
Abbey further, simply request a
guided tour on their website www.
westminster-abbey.org – but for now,
take a look at its popular spots.
The Coronation Chair is located in
www.conference-news.co.uk
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Religious Buildings
St. George’s Chapel and has been
part of British Coronations for 700
years.
Poets’ Corner is a popular place for
literature lovers. Over 100 poets and
writers rest here, such as William
Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the
Bronte sisters and Charles Dickens.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Galleries, a once secret space, now
showcases British artefacts such as
the Royal marriage licence and an
effigy of Henry VII’s head.
To enhance your experience, climb
the Weston Tower for access to the
Galleries.
Church House
Westminster
Around the corner you will find Church
House Westminster, which unlike the
Abbey, is not classified as a religious
building or church but is instead used
as the headquarters for the Church of
England.
Church House has played host to
many historical speeches and events.
Its Hoare Memorial Hall has
welcomed Winston Churchill and its
Convocation Hall hosted the House of
Lords during WWII. Its next event
could be yours.
If you’re searching for an array of
choices, look no further. The Grade
II* Listed Building provides event
organisers with the option of 19
event spaces. These spaces have
previously been used for multi-day
conferences, award dinners, press
launches, fashion shows and location
filming.
“The Assembly Hall is the largest
space which can host up to 600
guests for a theatre style conference.
The event space compromises of a