Seminars and company events
Brighton Dome is a conference and events venue for association and corporate gatherings of up to 1,700 delegates. It stands in Brighton’s Cultural Quarter, close to hotels, transport links and the seafront, and its in-house technical team supports staging, sound and lighting. Organisers use it for annual conferences, keynote days, graduation ceremonies and exhibitions.
The Concert Hall is the main plenary room. This Grade II listed hall has tiered seating and clear sightlines, with 550 seats in the centre stalls, 1,000 at ground level and 1,700 in total including the upper circle. The adjoining Corn Exchange can be set with hidden raked seating for 505 in theatre style, or as a flat-floor hall for exhibitions and dinners. The Studio Theatre holds 230 in theatre layout and suits breakout sessions. Smaller rooms handle workshops and committee days.
The Founders Room, which can be divided in two, takes 80 people in theatre, banqueting or reception layout, 35 in classroom and 30 in boardroom or U-shape. The Foyer Bar of the Concert Hall seats 150 for lunch or dinner. The Gallery Bar and the Festival Bar each take 100 guests for a reception. More breakout, registration and catering areas are available, so ask the events team for a plan matched to your agenda.
Weddings and receptions
The venue also hosts dinners, Christmas parties and weddings. The restored Corn Exchange, with its timber roof and tall glazed windows, is set up as a banqueting hall for 500 guests or a standing reception for 800. The Gallery Bar, with a skylit ceiling, exposed brick and a view into the Corn Exchange, fits smaller receptions and networking evenings.
Rooms and capacities
The Studio Theatre was built in 1935 and was first used as a supper room. It takes 230 in theatre, 264 for a reception, 100 for a banquet and 60 in cabaret layout, with raked seating that can be hidden. The Corn Exchange holds 800 for a reception and 500 for banqueting. The Foyer Bar takes 800 standing. The Concert Hall reaches 1,700 in total.
Catering
The venue works with catering partners and describes their menus as based on local produce. Dinner capacity for the Gallery Bar is still to be confirmed, so check it when you enquire. Menus, dietary options and timings are arranged with the events team.
History and setting
Brighton Dome has been part of the city’s social life for over 200 years. The complex began as part of the Royal Pavilion estate, and the Studio Theatre stands on the site of Maria Fitzherbert’s stables. The Concert Hall hosted ABBA’s 1974 Eurovision win. The Indian-inspired domes and Art Deco details of the buildings give a clear identity to an event, and the Cultural Quarter puts museums, theatres and restaurants within walking distance.
Getting there
Brighton Dome is in the centre of Brighton, with hotels, transport links and the seafront close by. The pages read do not name a rail station or give walking times, so ask the events team on 01273 261524 or at events@brightondome.org for directions and delegate travel advice. Accommodation is not offered on site.
