HomeUse of Belfast City Hall and civic hospitality
Belfast City Hall has a number of function areas which may be available to organisations for a wide range of activities and events. We must grant authority for the use of the function rooms and organisations seeking to use one or more of the function rooms must complete and submit an application form demonstrating how the event will satisfy a specific set of criteria. The request will then be considered by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee before its decision is ratified at the monthly meeting.Civic hospitality
We may be able to provide civic hospitality at an event, see our frequently asked questions section for further information on this and how to apply for the use of the building.Frequently asked questions
What type of space is available in the City Hall?The City Hall has three functions rooms, the Great Hall, the Banqueting Hall and the Reception Room. Events can also make use of the marble on the ground floor and the Rotunda, outside the function rooms on the first floor.
The Great Hall can seat 450 for dinner and 600 theatre style. The Banqueting Hall can seat 200 for dinner and 250 theatre style. The Reception Room, the smallest function room, can seat 100 for dinner and 180 theatre style.
How do I apply for the use of the City Hall?
Each organisation must complete and submit, either in hard copy or electronically, an application form. To receive an application form please contact either Kate McCafferty or Eilish McGoldrick on 028 9027 0553 or 028 9027 0450, or by emailing mccaffertyk@belfastcity.gov.uk or mcgoldricke@belfastcity.gov.uk
How early should I apply for the use of the City Hall?
The completed application form must be received at least three months before the date of the event but you are encouraged to apply further in advance as availability is limited.
How long will it take before I hear if my application has been successful?
Application forms are submitted to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, which generally meets on the third Friday of each month. It is normal that applications will be considered by this Committee if the application has been received at least three weeks prior to this date with all queries resolved. The decision of the Committee is then considered by full council at the start of the following month. A letter will be sent to all organisations requesting the use of the City Hall within 24 hours of the council meeting.
Is it possible to have a date pencilled into the diary?
The date on which you wish to hold the event can only be pencilled into the diary on receipt of a fully completed application form. However, we are not always able to accommodate the requested date and these are subject to change at the Council’s discretion.
What is the cost of hiring the City Hall?
The City Hall is granted free of charge by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, providing the event satisfies the specific criteria.
What is civic hospitality?
Civic hospitality is provided free of charge by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee. If you are organising an event you will either be awarded a drinks reception where the council will provide the wines and soft drinks from its own stock up to a maximum of £500, or tea, coffee and biscuits.
How soon can I promote my event in the City Hall?
All decisions of Committee are subject to ratification by the council. Therefore no material promoting the venue of the event can be made public until after the decision has been ratified by full council and you have received your confirmation letter.
What type of events cannot be held in the City Hall?
There are a number of events which are not permitted to be held in the City Hall, such as, wedding receptions, birthday parties, conferences, seminars, workshops and events of a commercial nature.
I am organising a twentieth anniversary event, will I satisfy the criteria for Use of the City Hall?
We will only provide the use of the City Hall for an organisation which is celebrating an anniversary which is a multiple of 25 years, such as 25th, 50th, 75th, or 100th anniversary.
I am organising a conference, will I be granted the Use of the City Hall?
While the City Hall cannot be used for the hosting of a conference it can be used for the hosting of a conference reception, lunch or dinner so long as the conference is:
- held within the city
- the delegates are staying within accommodation within the city
- it incorporates a significant element of the conference programme within the city.
City Hall can accommodate 12 charitable functions each year and these will be at the discretion of the civic dignitaries, please contact the Lord Mayor’s Office for details on 028 9027 0488 or email lordmayorsoffice@belfastcity.gov.uk
If my application is successful, what set-up time will I be allocated and what time should I vacate the City Hall?
There is a maximum four hour set-up time allocated. However, if no other events are taking place in the rooms you may be able to have a longer period than this. Generally, your event should be concluded by midnight.
How do I arrange catering at the event?
Our Facilities section will be happy to provide you with a list of caterers who have worked in the City Hall previously.
Am I permitted to have entertainment at my event?
Yes entertainment is permitted and should be arranged by the organiser.
Contact us
For more information on civic hospitality contact:Kate McCafferty
Committee and Members’ Services
Chief Executive’s Department
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Hall
Belfast BT1 5GS
Telephone: 028 9027 0553
Email: mccaffertyk@belfastcity.gov.uk
