Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below a list of Frequently asked questions. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact the Hall Manager.

How can I check availability of the hall and make a booking?

The easiest way to check the availability of the hall is to view the events calendar. To make a booking, please go our our bookings page where you can find all the information you require and complete an online booking application.

What is the capacity of the Halls?

The maximum capacity of the Freshfield Hall is 190 (180 seated theatre style).
The maximum capacity of the Peter Griffits Hall is 130 (120 closely seated).
The Committee Room accommodates approximately 15 people.

What sound and lighting equipment is available in the Freshfield Hall?

The Freshfield Hall has basic house and stage lighting which can be operated by the hall hirer. The speakers visible in the hall are owned and operated by the Film Society. We have a Portable PA Unit available for hire, which includes 2 wireless microphones, an internal USB/SD/FM digital audio media player with remote control and AUX line input. For private parties and productions, hirers may wish to source their own sound and lighting equipment. Any equipment brought into the Hall needs to be fully PAT tested.

Are there chairs and tables available for use when I hire the hall?

Included in the cost of Hire of the Freshfield Hall are 180 upholstered chairs and 17 large trestle tables, available for you to lay out as required. There are also 50 plastic chairs on the stage for your use and small and medium trestle tables in the table store. The Peter Griffits has a rack of 7 large folding trestle tables and a chair store containing plastic stacking chairs, all included in the Hire of the Hall.

I want to hire the hall for a charity event, can I hire the hall for free?

It is not possible to hire the Village Hall for free, however we do offer a discounted rate to those hiring for charity and community events. See hire tariffs. The Forest Row Village Hall is a registered charity and the revenue required to maintain the building is generated exclusively through hiring of the hall and fundraising by volunteers.

Is there disabled access?

Yes, Forest Row Village Hall has full disabled access and toilets. Please note, it is the responsibility of the hirer to provide any necessary support that a person with disabilities may require.

Is the Hall run by or funded by the council or parish?

No! The Hall is run by Committee members and Trustees and does not receive any local authority or Parish funding. Revenue is generated through hiring and fundraising by volunteers.

Is there any parking at Forest Row Village Hall?

The parking spaces at the front of the Freshfield Hall are for the Hall Hirer only. There is however plenty of free parking in nearby car parks (off Station Road) and within permitted areas.

When I hire the Hall, who will open and close the hall? What are my responsibilities?

In most cases, the hall hirer will be responsible for opening and closing the hall at the agreed times. A few days before your booked date, you will be sent the current keycode for the keysafe to open the hall you have hired. The keysafe is wall mounted outside each hall. A list of your responsibilities as Hirer is included in the Terms & Conditions Of Hire of Hire. Please note that setting up and clearing away must be included in your booking times. By agreement of the management committee, longstanding and reliable hirers may become keyholders, with additional responsibilities.

Can I consume and sell alcohol on the premises?

Forest Row Village Hall is Licenced for the Sale or Supply of Alcohol (Premises Licence No WEA/LN/000002968). In order to sell alcohol at an event you are holding at the Village Hall, you must have an Alcohol Licence confirming the written approval of the Designated Premesis Supervisor. You can request this for a cost via the booking office or via Wealden District Council. The Licence must be displayed in the bar during your event.

Does the Village Hall have Wi-fi connection?

Both the Freshfield Hall and Peter Griffits Hall have full Wi-fi Connection. The available network will be ‘FRVH Guest’, the password can be obtained from the Booking Office.

Is there a kitchen?

Yes, both the Freshfield Hall and Peter Griffits Hall have a fitted kitchen for food preparation and cooking. In your Booking Form application please state that you require use of the kitchen. Both venues also have a serving area between the kitchen and the hall. There are teacups and saucers, teapots, cafetieres and a large urn available for your use.

Will the Hall be heated?

Hirers can activate the heating in the halls via the thermostat. In winter, the Caretaker will endeavor to ensure the Hall is warm on your arrival. Hirers are asked to return the thermostat to 0 when leaving the hall.

Are Hirers covered by the Forest Row Village Hall’s Insurance?

Hirers are required to have sufficient insurance in place for events open to the public, and are advised to have insurance for private events. Hirers are also advised to complete a Risk Assessment for their event, class or function; a template is available from the Booking Office.

What is a featured event?

Basically, a featured event is one which gets greater visibility through the online activities of the Village Hall. Specifically this includes: (i) Your event gets a shout-out on the Village Hall Facebook page; (ii) Your event gets highlighted in the main events listing; (iii) Featured events get posted to the sidebar of event pages on the Village Hall website. There is a small charge to feature an event, as a registered charity, all funds raised goes to the upkeep of the Village Hall. You can mark an event to be featured during the bookings process, or contact the Village Hall Manager prior to your event.

If I hold a class or group at the Hall, is there any space for storage?

Regular hirers can store equipment in the kitchen or hall for a small fee subject to availability of cupboard space and management committee approval.