Information for hirers and stallholders

A smiling market stand trader stands inside The Forum dressed and selling accessories in vibrant African fabrics.

We go the extra mile to support you every step of the way.

Hold your event at The Forum, where our friendly venue hire team are on hand to assist with set up and event planning. We have flexible spaces that can be adapted for your needs, a landmark city centre venue, and affordable pricing.

Want to know more about hiring The Forum for your event? We've collected some FAQs below. If you can't find the answer you need, get in touch and our venue hire team will be happy to help

Set up and operational FAQs

  • Vehicles can load/offload from the bay on Bethel Street.

    Vehicle movement in the pedestrian areas at the front of The Forum and loading via the front of the building on Millennium Plain is not permitted unless by prior consent. Any consent will be restricted to specific times.

  • The Forum has a multi-story underground car park with 209 spaces offering convenient access for your event and Norwich city centre. Normal car parking charges apply. Click here for full information about the car park and charges.

  • Most equipment is included as part of your hire agreement (unless otherwise stated). All equipment resources are limited and subject to availability, so we advise you book these as soon as possible. If you are a stall holder you will need to book these with the event organiser.

  • There is access to power in all our hireable spaces, however supply varies. Contact us in advance if you require access to power and we will advice you on the best set up.

  • We can book catering for you with our recommended suppliers Cafe Bar Marzano, Expresso or The Feed. They offer a range of options including meeting refreshments, lunches, canapes and drinks.

    You will need to book a minimum of two weeks in advance of your event. Contact the venue hire team for more details and menus.

  • Yes, your Public Liability Insurance should offer an appropriate level of cover for your specific event.

  • Yes - there is free public WiFi in all the spaces and a separate network for event hirers.

  • Yes, outside and preferably on the amphitheatre. Vehicles have been exhibited inside the building but any request to do this will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

  • If you need assistance during your event the Customer Services Desk is located on the ground floor between the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library and Cafe Bar Marzano.

    The Customer Services Desk is staffed during opening hours (7am – midnight) and the team are first aid trained.

    Fire marshals are always on site and in the event of an emergency please follow any instructions given by Forum staff who will be wearing high-vis yellow vests.

Markets and Fairs FAQs

  • The markets and craft fairs at The Forum are organised by third parties who hire out the space. You will need to contact the organisers directly to book a stand.

    You can find details of forthcoming events in the What's On section.

  • Yes, we have a variety of spaces available to hire with smaller zones available in The Atrium (Zones 3 and 4) and Outside (Upper Millennium Plain) with prices starting from £100+VAT per day.

  • If you are holding an event in the Auditorium or Gallery, the Marketing team will get in touch to organise digital signage for your event to direct visitors to the Auditorium or Gallery.

    Screens are programmed to start 30 minutes before the start of your event.

    There are also screens available in the Auditorium lobby which can be scheduled with your own content, a great way to brand the space.

    Materials for the screens need to be received at least two weeks before your event, after this date we can’t guarantee it will be on the screens in time.

    For more information contact [email protected].

  • Artwork needs to be 1920px wide x 1080px high (landscape), supplied as a jpg or MP4, without sound.

    We can also produce a simple sign for you, please send over the title of you event and the start time to [email protected]

    We need artwork or information at least two weeks before you event.

Marketing and digital advertising FAQs

  • As part of your venue hire booking we provide a free listing on our website What's On.

    When your booking is confirmed a member of the marketing team will be in touch to ask for information, images and logos. We'll then upload your event to the website.

    If you have any questions you can email [email protected]

  • Yes, our in-house digital advertising displays offer an affordable and high impact way to advertise your event to thousands of Forum visitors.

    We offer two packages, with discounted not-for-profit rates available.

    For more information visit the Digital Display Advertising page.

  • Each month we send out an email newsletter to our subscribers with event highlights.

    We use the information and images you provide for your What's On listing, so make sure you send over to the Marketing team well in advance. High quality images are also really important to get your listing noticed, you can find some Top Tips on the Event Marketing Support page.

    We try to include as many events as possible however due to the number taking place we can't guarantee it will be included.

  • Supply high resolution (300dpi) jpgs or pngs.

    The header images on events listings are 2800px wide x 1300px high.

    The header image is responsive, so will size differently depending on the device someone is using (eg. desktop or mobile). It is best to use images without text as it may be cropped.

    Logos and additional images can also be included in the main description.

  • No, we can't display printed posters.

    We do offer affordable digital advertising packages for people hiring a space at The Forum, starting from £35+VAT.