Boiler House Event Hire FAQ's

Whatever event you have in mind for the Boiler House, we know you might have some questions about the facilities and services available. This FAQ section is designed to provide you with detailed answers to some of the most common questions about hiring and utilising the Boiler House at Harrow Arts Centre. From technical services and seating arrangements to ticketing options and staffing, we've covered everything to help you plan and execute your event smoothly. If you need further information or specific details not covered here, please feel free to contact our Box Office team.

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How do I secure a date for hosting an event in the Boiler House?

To begin the process of securing a date for your event in the Boiler House, you can obtain a performance enquiry form from the Harrow Arts Centre Box Office by emailing box.office@harrowarts.com. We encourage you to provide as detailed information as possible about your proposed event on this form. Submission of the form initiates the booking process but does not confirm your booking. All submissions are reviewed for approval by department leads at Harrow Arts Centre to ensure we can meet your event requirements.

What are the current hire charges for performances in the Boiler House?

The rates for hiring The Boiler House start from just £29.50 per hour with various package rates also available. You can download the full list of charges here.

What is the seating capacity of the Boiler House and how does the layout affect it?

The Boiler House is an adaptable space that can accommodate various layouts depending on your event's specific requirements. The maximum seating capacity is 70 people. However, the actual number of seats and the overall arrangement can vary based on your proposed layout. To ensure your event setup meets your expectations and complies with space constraints, it is important to include detailed information about your preferred layout on your booking form. This will help our team understand your needs and assist in making your event a success.

Is Front of House staff provided with the booking, and what is the cost?

Yes, 1 Front of House Staff Member is compulsory with all bookings. The cost is £15.00 per hour. They provide support for 1 hour before the show until 30 minutes after the show(s), which is the absolute minimum allowance for performances in the Boiler House.

Are technical equipment and storage facilities included in the hire charges?

All prices include venue hire and the use of technical equipment in situ in the Boiler House. You can download the technical specification for the Boiler House here. Secure storage of set props and other equipment inside the Boiler House is available only when booking at least two consecutive days or a weekend.

Are technical services provided for my performances?

Yes, technical services include a compulsory 1-hour technical briefing with all bookings, which is provided at a cost of £45.00. This briefing is designed to introduce the hiring company to the technical equipment available in the Boiler House. However, it is crucial for the hiring company to understand that, beyond this briefing, it is their responsibility to provide adequately trained staff to operate the lights and sound systems during the performance. Should the hiring company not have the necessary expertise, a Light/Sound Technician can be hired at an additional rate of £45.00 per hour to run lights and sound for the performance (subject to availability). This ensures that technical operations are handled professionally and smoothly, contributing to the success of the event.

Can dressing rooms be hired for performers, and what is the rate?

Small dressing rooms near the Boiler House are available subject to availability. The rate starts from £14.50 per hour. However, dressing rooms are not included in the Boiler House performance charges and should be booked at the time of performance booking as they are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

What are the ticketing options for performances at the Boiler House?

Hiring companies have two ticketing options:

  1. You can administer, create, and manage your own ticketing, including checking all tickets at performance time.
  2. Utilise HAC’s in-house ticketing service for a fee of £36 per performance. This service encompasses ticket printing and sales through our box office (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm) and online (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Additionally, your Front of House staff member will manage ticket checks at the door. Please note, an additional 1.4% ticketing commission fee will be applied to the hiring company's final sales settlement. This commission is a direct cost as set by the Spektrix ticketing system and is crucial for ensuring that all aspects of ticketing are handled efficiently and professionally, offering a seamless experience for your audience.
Is insurance required for hiring the Boiler House for performances?

Yes, insurance is charged at 7% of the package rate. This applies to organisations, including non-profit making organisations and individuals, who do not provide evidence of their own Public Liability Insurance.

How and when will the revenue from ticket sales be settled after my event?

The proceeds from ticket sales for your event at Harrow Arts Centre will only be settled once the balance of the hire fee has been fully cleared. After deducting the 1.4% ticketing commission fee and any other charges related to the event from the gross ticket sales, we'll calculate your final settlement amount.

Payments will be made directly by bank transfer from the Harrow Council accounts team. While processing times can vary, we aim to settle all accounts within 30 days following the completion of your event. This timeline allows us to ensure that all sales are accurately accounted for and any necessary adjustments are made. Our Box Office and accounts team work closely to facilitate a smooth and transparent settlement process, ensuring you receive your funds in a timely manner once all financial obligations are met.

Are there any additional charges for playing copyrighted music?

If you plan to play copyrighted music during your event in the Boiler House, it's essential to contact PRS (Performing Right Society) in advance to obtain the correct permissions and understand the specific percentage of your event's gross ticket sales that must be paid as royalties. This proactive step ensures compliance with copyright laws and helps avoid unexpected fees.

If you do not contact PRS to ascertain the correct percentage for royalty payments, a default rate of 4.2% of your event's gross ticket sales will be applied. This amount will be deducted from your final show settlement by Harrow Arts Centre. Ensuring that this is managed correctly is crucial for the smooth financial handling of your event and is the obligation of Harrow Art Centre regarding the use of copyrighted music.

Will there be refreshment facilities available during performances?

Harrow Arts Centre operates a small bar and concession stand inside the Boiler House as standard during performances.