The main hall has a maximum seated capacity of 180 persons. The small hall / meeting room has a maximum seated capacity of 50 persons.
Please note: the maximum capacity for the entire venue (main hall + small hall) is 195 persons.
If you are organising an event with more than 50 persons attending and will be using seating (with or without tables), we have a number of suggested seating plans which may prove useful and which can be downloaded / printed by clicking the required plan.
Rows of Seats
Seating arranged in rows is suitable for lectures, meetings, training sessions / presentations and on-stage performances (in main hall).
If you will be using seating set out in rows, there are minimum width requirements (1050 mm) for gangways to comply with the requirements for fire risk assessments and evacuation plans. Gangway widths are measured at their most narrow point and must take into account any structural elements of the building (i.e. building support posts) or furniture.
In the main hall, it is recommended that there are no more than 12 chairs in a row with gangways either side, or 10 chairs (5 either side) if there will also be a centre gangway.
In the small hall / meeting room, it is recommended that there are no more than 10 chairs in a row with gangways either side, or 8 chairs (4 either side) if there will also be a centre gangway.
Linking Chairs Together
Government published guidance on the use of temporary seating states:
If temporary seating is provided, these should be secured in lengths of not fewer than four seats (and not more than 12). Each length should be fixed to the floor.
Whilst it is impractical for rows of chairs to be fixed to the floor, it is recommended that chairs are joined together to reduce the hazard that unsecured seating may cause in the event of an evacuation. Further advice is available from the hall manager.
Benenden Village Hall has a supply of over 340 reusable Velcro-style ‘hook and loop’ straps that can be used to securely link chairs together.
It is recommended that one strap is used on both the front and rear legs of adjoining chairs.
Straps can be borrowed from the Hall Manager at no additional cost.
Instructions for using the straps can be found here.
PLEASE NOTE: Should hirers decide to disregard the guidance in relation to the use of temporary seating, they do so at their own risk and any such decision-making should be documented in an appropriate risk assessment with details of any mitigation. Benenden Village Trust accepts no responsibility or liability for injury to persons using the hall where failure to comply with the guidance is considered to be a contributory factor.
Main Hall
180 Seats
This is the maximum seated capacity and allows for adequate spacing between rows with gangways on either side of the hall.
150 Seats
This suggested seating plan allows for adequate spacing between rows with gangways on either side of the hall and an additional centre gangway.
132 Seats
This is a custom seating plan used for pantomime productions and which uses a tiered seating platform which is hired in.
The tiered seating platform is available for hire from Cranbrook Choral Staging.
If wheelchair access is being incorporated into a seating plan, chairs should be removed from rows to create additional space to keep gangways clear should it be necessary to evacuate the hall.
Using Round Tables (with chairs)
Benenden Village Hall has 12 large round tables (plus a spare) that are suitable for formal functions and events. We also have a supply of white tablecloths that can also be hired. The round tables are suitable for 8-10 chairs on each table.
Rectangular tables can be used together with round tables to provide additional seating such as for a ‘top table’, to create an area for guests to leave gifts or for serving food / drinks.
10 chairs per table
8 chairs per table
The above suggested seating plans using the large round tables take into account locations of the fire exits in the main hall and evacuation routes.
Using Rectangular Tables (with chairs)
Benenden Village Hall has rectangular tables of different sizes that can be used in various configurations to provide complete flexibility for your event.
PLEASE NOTE: The main hall stage is extended by a further 1.7 metres 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.
