Page Last Updated: 03/09/2026
The large Main Hall, measuring approximately 18 x 8.5 m (153 m2), has capacity for a maximum of 195 people (standing), 180 seated for shows, lectures, etc. and 120 guests at formal functions with large round tables seating 8-10 persons.
Please note: the maximum capacity for the entire venue (main hall + small hall) is 195 persons.
The Main Hall contains the stage equipped with sound system and a professional lighting system. The hall is well lit with glass doors facing a grassy area to the rear of the building and windows along the top of the hall – all of which can be covered with curtains / blinds. The doors can be opened to give access to the outside grassy area / fresh air.
The Main Hall and Small Hall are both accessed from the communal entrance / lobby and can be linked via a set of centralised double-doors. Both halls have direct access to the communal facilities including toilets and a well-equipped kitchen.
The hall has badminton court markings and, with its high ceilings (10.1 m at the highest point), is also suitable for sporting activities such as badminton, table tennis and fitness classes. Additional lighting is available for playing sports if required.
If your event needs extra space or is likely to be disturbed (or vice versa) by an event in the other hall, it is recommended that both halls are booked. A discounted rate is offered for hiring both halls together. Hiring both of the halls together also ensures exclusive use of the building / facilities such as the kitchen and toilets. Both halls have tables and chairs that can be used.
Benenden Village Hall has recently undergone a major lighting upgrade. The main hall has dimmable LED lighting operated by 4 light switches operating alternate lights. As combinations of lights can be on / off and brightness adjusted, this will provide hall users & hirers with greater flexibility to achieve the desired lighting for their class, club or event.
Heating in the main hall is controlled by a thermostat / timer and will be off in warmer weather (usually from 1st May). Hirers are welcome to adjust the thermostat / heating to suit their needs. The hall manager should be advised of any specific requirements in relation to heating the main hall.
The balcony area overlooking the main hall is kept locked and children are not permitted on the balcony unless supervised by an adult at all times. Hirers are welcome to make use of the balcony area and will be made aware of the location of the key when hiring the hall.
The balcony is a good place for parents, etc. to wait after dropping off or when picking up their children from parties, clubs, rehearsals, etc. There are a sofa and some chairs for this purpose. Hirers can decide whether this area is to be used and noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing / disrupting classes, etc. This area is not a public viewing gallery.
Regular hirers are welcome to store equipment in the balcony cupboards, but this must be arranged with the hall manager.
The access gate to the balcony must be locked after use and the key must not be removed from the building.
The balcony area is covered by CCTV.
Please note that the balcony area is used for controlling sound and lighting during some performances when access may be restricted.
The main hall is a versatile space that is sure to meet your needs and is only limited by your imagination. The below gallery shows some of the types of event and activities that have taken place in the main hall.
If required, doorway widths & heights are available here.
For more photos, please see the Wedding Receptions, Parties & Formal Functions Gallery.
Also See:
For more ideas, visit our Children’s Parties, Catering and Bars / Alcohol pages.
PLEASE NOTE: The main hall stage is extended by a further 1.25 metres across the full width of the hall during the pantomime season in January each year. During December there is also a large (10-14′) Christmas tree at the rear of the main hall.
Wi-fi is available throughout the building for use by hirers and users of Benenden Village Hall. The password is posted around the building together with a QR Code for easy access.
If you are bringing equipment into the building for your event, the following doorway widths & heights may assist you:
(outer double doors)
(inner double doors)
(foyer / lobby double doors)
(small hall / meeting room double doors)
(kitchen door)
(rear fire exit / double doors)
(foyer / lobby door)
(kitchen door)
(fire exit door)
(fire exit door)
(door from rear corridor)
Hire of the entertainment equipment includes use of the following equipment.
Venue
No. Halls
Capactity
Outside Space
Parking
Stage
Wi-Fi
Benenden Village Hall has a Buffalo 3kW 10 Litre Auto-Fill Water Boiler.
The boiler usually takes 15-20 minutes to reach ‘ready’ state.
The kitchen has a selection of plastic jugs and colourful tumblers, bowls and plates that are ideal for children’s parties.
12 jugs
28 tumblers
29 bowls
14 baby food bowls
36 plates
The kitchen has a selection of different glassware that hirers are welcome to use.
78 glass tumblers
25 champagne flutes
31 small glasses
34 wine glasses
6 small stemmed glasses
11 glass jugs
The stage lighting is controlled by an ETC ColorSource 40 lighting console.
Please Note: This equipment is only to be operated by competent / experienced persons.
Benenden Village Hall has a Nelson SC45 WSDP commercial dishwasher.
The kitchen is well stocked with a selection of different crockery including cups, saucers, bowls & plates.
The sound system in the main hall incorporates a PDA Range 500/2 Induction Loop Amplifier.
The main hall has a projector mounted on the lighting bar in front of the stage. The projector is an NEC VT670 projector and is operated by a remote control.
The projector has two inputs, a VGA input with an HDMI adapter for use with a laptop; and a video input with an RCA plug (yellow) which can be used with the hall’s DVD player.
The main hall is equipped with a sound system and speakers for playing music (recorded or live) and/or using with microphones.
The system is controlled by a Soundcraft Spirit E8 10-channel mixer (8 mono mic/line , 2 stereo line inputs).
The audio input for use with mobile phones / devices uses a standard 3.5 mm jack plug with adapters for use with most mobile phones.
Benenden Village Hall has adapters for the following which may be borrowed:
