Visitors to Norwich can’t miss The Forum – the striking building stands out on the city’s skyline and welcomes more than a million visitors throughout the year. With hundreds of events taking place in all seasons – including art exhibitions, film screenings, markets and fairs – there’s always something on at The Forum.

The Forum also has a busy venue hire business, offering the chance to hold an event in the city centre landmark.

Bookings are open year-round, with space across The Forum available to hire by zone, including outside the building and in the main Atrium. Prices start from just £100+VAT per day per zone, and a reduced rate is available for not-for-profit organisations.

As well as the public spaces, there’s also a custom-built Auditorium, light-filled meeting room The View, and multi-purpose space The Gallery; perfect for private or ticketed events.  

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Langley performing in The Gallery at The Forum during Norwich Science Festival 2024 Ben Langley performing in The Gallery at The Forum during Norwich Science Festival 2024 (Image: Luke Witcomb)
“Our unique building and expert venue hire team make The Forum the perfect place for the more unusual event,” said Rowan Whiteside, marketing and communications manager, “whether that’s an enormous installation, a charity abseil, a community celebration, live performances, a charity awareness event or private reception.

“With flexible spaces and bespoke options available, The Forum team are happy to work with hirers to make every event a success.”

Alongside hire and partner events, The Forum presents and coordinates a busy calendar of festivals. These include the recent Norwich Science Festival, Norfolk Makers Festival (returning April 13-21), Norwich Games Festival (returning May 30-June 1) and Norfolk Heritage Open Days (September 6-15).

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Makers Festival will be returning to The Forum from April 13-21Norfolk Makers Festival will be returning to The Forum from April 13-21 (Image: Beth Moseley Photography)

“Already in 2024 we’re looking forward to welcoming back Norfolk & Norwich Festival, whose opening night on Friday, May 10 will see a beautifully crafted giant puppet walking through the city and arriving outside The Forum,” said Rowan.

“March and beyond brings a brilliant range of markets and fairs, including Norwich Record Fair, Jobs Fair, Local Makers Market and much more. Also coming up are stunning art exhibitions, events that celebrate other cultures and communities such as UEA Discover Japan Day, film screenings, networking events, talks and plenty of other events for everyone to enjoy.”

With affordable prices, flexible options, high-footfall and the city centre location, The Forum could be the perfect place for your event. The accessible building also has an on-site car park and cafe, making it even more convenient.

The prices are inclusive, and include AV, equipment such as tables and display boards, and event-set up. The Forum also offers marketing support for events, including website listings at no additional cost.

“By choosing The Forum for your event you’ll also be supporting our programme of free events and festivals,” said Rowan. “The Forum is managed by registered charity The Forum Trust Ltd, and by hiring space in our building you’ll be helping to support the building and our community events, festivals, partnerships and projects.”

The venue hire team can check availability, discuss what you need to make your event a success, and arrange a visit to the building.

Find out more about venue hire at The Forum here.