Guide · 5 min read · Updated 22 Oct 2026

Choosing a venue: a checklist

Questions to ask before you book a venue, so nothing surprises you on the day.

Fit

Capacity slightly below your expected crowd feels full and energetic; a half-empty big room feels flat. Match the vibe to the event.

Money

Get the full cost in writing.

  • Flat rent vs revenue share
  • Minimum food and drinks spend
  • Deposit and cancellation terms
  • Extra charges (cleaning, overtime, sound engineer)

Practical

Load-in time, power points, sound system, stage, seating, green room, washrooms, Wi-Fi for scanning tickets, and mobile signal inside the room.

Access

Public transport, parking, step-free access, and how easy the entrance is to find at night.

Permissions

Which licences the venue holds, sound limits and curfew times. See the permissions checklist guide.

Put this into practice

Plan your budget →

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