Conference, Meetings and Events Brochure
Welcome The Hawth offers an inviting and welcoming venue for conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment events, providing guests with a unique and memorable experience. Set in 40 acres of picturesque woodland, and located only half a mile from the centre of Crawley, The Hawth benefits from a variety of accessible transport links including road, rail and air. Further to this, the dedicated car and coach parking provides clients with easy and convenient parking facilities available for any occasion.
The Hawth boasts eight versatile conference rooms, two dedicated theatres, CafĂŠ Vita and the Balcony Bar, in addition to an impressive outdoor amphitheatre and marquee. With several flexible function spaces and extensive resources, each event can be tailor made to suit individual requirements whilst remaining within budget. Whether you're hosting an informal meeting, exhibition, conference or product launch, our friendly, accommodating and dedicated staff will ensure the effective planning and management of your event. Our in-house catering service offers a wide range of options to complement any event or delegate requirements. All our function suites have comprehensive audio-visual and technical facilities operated by our on-site technical team, guaranteeing the optimum presentation and support for your event. In addition, The Hawth boasts a range of equipment for hire including radio microphones,
digital projectors and DVD players. The venue also offers free wireless network connections in all meeting rooms and public areas providing easily accessible mobile Internet access for delegates. The Hawth uniquely offers professional ticketing solutions for your trade show, event or exhibition. Our box office facility can be hired with our front of house staff available to meet, greet and offer support throughout your event. With our experience and passion we hold a reputation for being one of the most professional and diverse conference and event venues in the South East of England. Our approach combined with our first-class service and impressive facilities, guarantees repeat visits and ensures our customers always exceed their goals.
The Hawth Theatre - Our History Taking its name from a local version of the word 'heath' referring specifically to the 40 acres of woodland in which the theatre was built, The Hawth opened its doors for the first time in 1988 to an enthusiastic audience.
Since then The Hawth has hosted an impressive variety of prestigious and memorable events including visits by The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, West End musicals Cats, Chicago and Grease and renowned artists and performers from all corners of the world. The Hawth has also played host to a Royal Gala, when Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales attended a performance of London City Ballet's Romeo & Juliet in 1992. From its creation The Hawth has consistently been a reflection of the community's artistic spirit, hosting an eclectic mix of artists, musicians, dancers and performers from around the globe, presenting new performances, theatre, music, dance, comedy and film. The Hawth is operated by Parkwood Theatres on behalf of Crawley Borough Council. Parkwood is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring the facilities and service standards of The Hawth remain amongst the most respected in the industry.
The Auditorium The Auditorium is the perfect venue for showcasing large scale performances, conferences and exhibitions, with a seating capacity of up to 855 theatre style. Hired throughout the year by national and local companies, arts organisations and public sector clients, the Auditorium presents an ideal venue for a multitude of events. Conference and events benefit from close proximity to all of the venue amenities, the vast array of specialist equipment available and the flexibility of the large stage. The Auditorium features a 13m x 21m stage as well as a 3m x 14m orchestra pit with a hydraulic controlled movable floor, 52 rigs to fly backdrops, and a 11.2m wide front projection screen. Included in the hire of the Auditorium are seven dedicated backstage dressing rooms, a Green Room and a wardrobe room, all located immediately at the rear of the stage. These additional spaces can be utilised as break-out rooms, however they can just as easily be transformed into interview or consultation rooms, therapy or treatment suites, demonstrating the adaptability of these facilities. Another highlight is that all seven backstage dressing rooms come equipped with sink and shower facilities. With the latest lighting and sound systems, the Auditorium offers the widest range of audio visual facilities, sound proofing, surround sound speakers, flying rigs for lighting, back drops and screens that can create the perfect atmosphere for any event, whether its dramatic scenery for a product launch or a sophisticated setting for a speech, the venue can be dressed for any occasion. There is also the option of using the Auditorium with a flat floor, in exhibition mode, offering 600sqm of unobstructed level space with ground level access. Located at the heart of The Hawth, the Auditorium benefits from being in close proximity to all of the facilities the venue has to offer, including Café Vita and the Balcony Bar.
Client Testimonial Thanks to all the staff at The Hawth for their efforts…incredibly helpful… a pleasure to be in your venue' BBC
Auditorium Floor plan Layout and Capacities Theatre 855 Exhibition Space 600sqm
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stage
seating
ground level Dressing Rooms
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Function Suites - The Studio The Studio offers the perfect setting for conferences, meetings and small theatre productions. The Studio is capable of accommodating up to 146 delegates on tiered seating, providing easy access to a central floor or staged area for presentations. As well as the traditional tiered seating the Studio offers an additional room layout without any seating which is ideal for exhibitions, team building events and rehearsal/recital sessions. This multi-functional suite has the capacity to fulfil numerous requirements and has the necessary equipment for small theatre productions together with ample opportunities for bespoke decoration.
Client Testimonial ‘It truly made my job easier knowing that we had such an experienced, well organised team looking after us' West Sussex County Council
To accommodate theatre productions and live events, The Studio offers a comprehensive range of sound and lighting equipment, additional rigging, backdrops and curtains.
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Layout and Capacities Entire Room Boardroom 48 Theatre 146 U-shaped 40 Function 100 Standing 160 Classroom 40
Auditorium
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Studio
The Spotlight Suite Situated on the ground floor of The Hawth and adjacent to Café Vita, The Spotlight Suite is able to accommodate 100 standing delegates or 90 persons seated and is widely used for meetings, small conferences, welcome drinks, refreshment and VIP areas. The Spotlight boasts panoramic views of the surrounding woodland. The setting, teamed with a neutral decor makes The Spotlight the perfect blank canvas to tailor to your individual needs. The suite can be used in its entirety or divided into two separate spaces, providing a multi-purpose area, ideal for workshops and breakout sessions, or as a formal dining area.
Layout and Capacities Entire Room Boardroom 48 Theatre 80 U-shaped 40 Function 90 Standing 100 Classroom 30 Cabaret 70 1/3 Room Boardroom Theatre U-shaped Function Standing
18 36 15 20 35
Client Testimonial ‘thank you for the excellent service yesterday… the Spotlight was ideal for our meeting and you supplied a lovely buffet' West Sussex PCT
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Limelight and Elgar Suites The Limelight and Elgar Suites are mid-sized, offering organisers the ability to opt for several room layouts dependant upon the specific requirements of the event. The Hawth team can provide advice on the best option for your event and propose layout plans based on your requirements. The Elgar Suite, is located on the first floor of The Hawth and offers a contemporary setting for a range of functions including meetings, VIP events, presentations and community forums. The various room layouts and size of the Elgar Suite makes it a perfect setting for team building activities, smaller conferences and workshops. It also has the capability to extend out onto the upper foyer area providing views over the reception and beautiful woodland. This overflow space provides an alternative setting for refreshments to be served, or as a break-out area.
Fact The Elgar Suite is named after English composer Edward Elgar, many of whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire.
upper level
The Limelight Suite offers views of the surrounding 40 acre woodlands through panoramic windows. The suite boasts a ceiling-mounted drop-down screen, in addition to adjustable lighting and temperature controls. It also benefits from a light and spacious feel.
Auditorium Elgar
Layout and Capacities Limelight Suite Boardroom 28 Theatre 40 U-shaped 26 Function 28 Standing 50 Elgar Suite Boardroom Theatre U-shaped Function Standing Classroom
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Auditorium 30 60 25 30 60 16
Limelight entrance
Tennyson and Chaucer Suites The Tennyson and Chaucer Suites offer a diverse range of room layouts that can be tailor-made to meet each individual requirement. Contemporary and brightly upholstered, both suites are located on the first floor and offer an abundance of natural light, with air conditioning and adjustable lighting, providing the perfect setting for any conference or event. The Tennyson Suite, can be adapted to suit the needs of a variety of events and exhibitions. The Chaucer Suite features a frieze that was created by a local artist and inspired by The Canterbury Tales. Bringing a unique and appealing personality to the space that encapsulates the community's artistic spirit and sustains a piece of history within the venue.
Fact The Tennyson Suite is named after Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poet Laureate during Queen Victoria's reign. The Chaucer Suite is named after Geoffrey Chaucer who is widely considered England's greatest poet of the Middle Ages. upper level
Auditorium
Tennyson Chaucer
Layout and Capacities Tennyson Suite Chaucer Suite Boardroom 16 Boardroom 18 Theatre 22 30 Theatre U-shaped 14 14 U-shaped Function Standing
18 35
Footlights and Shelley Suites The Footlights and Shelley Suites both offer flexible neutral spaces that enable the suites to be transformed into a range of styles and settings for any small event or meeting. The Footlights Suite, located on the ground floor, overlooks the Japanese garden. The suite is complete with a wall-mounted white board, flip chart and ceiling-mounted screen.
Fact The Shelley Conference Suite is named after one of England's finest lyric poets Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The fully air conditioned Shelley Conference Suite, situated on the first floor provides delegates with a tasteful and contemporary function space bathed in natural daylight.
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Auditorium Shelley
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Layout and Capacities Footlights Conference Suite Boardroom 10 15 Theatre 8 U-shaped Shelley Conference Suite 14 Boardroom 18 Theatre 12 U-shaped
Auditorium
Footlights entrance
Outdoor Amphitheatre and Marquee The outdoor Amphitheatre is situated at the rear of the building in an area of beautiful natural woodland that gives the theatre its name, while the Marquee, available during the summer months is sited at the front of the building offering fantastic views of the wood and the theatre itself.
Both the Amphitheatre and Marquee are fantastic places to enjoy music, dancing and theatrical performances. The Amphitheatre boasts a permanent raised stage, dedicated power supply, and seating for up to 300, making it an adaptable space for many events. The Marquee can accommodate up to 150 people in a number of versatile set ups, with easy access to bars and catering for your guests.
Team Building Both venues can be hired for private or team building events, providing a flexible and unique outdoor base that cannot fail to impress your delegates.
Tilgate Golf Course Tilgate Golf Course is located only 1½ miles away from The Hawth and is part of the Parkwood Group. We are delighted to offer various promotions for Tilgate Golf Course throughout the year to complement any conference or event. These offers work exceptionally well with team building events, as the golf course provides a change of scenery and a chance to relax away from a working environment. For more information on current or seasonal offers including the Tilgate Golfing Experience, please contact our events team on: Telephone: 01293 859949 Email: hawthhire@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
Dining and Entertainment The Hawth offers a variety of flexible dining options to suit the needs of all delegates and has a reputation for high quality food standards and excellent customer service. With a dedicated and professional team on hand to make your event a success, there are a range of delegate packages available for conferences, meetings and events. At The Hawth we are delighted to offer high quality menu options throughout the day from breakfast and 'on the go' snack options to lunch packages, and a la carte dining experiences. With this range of refreshments freshly cooked to order, you have a choice of service, either direct to your function suite or within the onsite dining facilities at CafĂŠ Vita or the Balcony Bar. The quality catering facilities and skilled staff mean that The Hawth is able to cater for a wide range of dietary requirements including Halal, lactose free, nut and gluten free, as well as vegetarian and vegan meals. As a fully licensed venue there is always the option to arrange a private bar facility to be incorporated at your event. This can either be provided within your conference suite or in one of our dedicated catering outlets. Whatever your preference, The Hawth team can accommodate your request. As an additional unique selling point of The Hawth we would be pleased to offer tickets for your guests at an evening show or performance at The Hawth. Private hospitality suites can also be made available to group bookings at special rates. *
* Subject to availability at time of booking
Café Vita and the Balcony Bar Café Vita provides an excellent culinary experience for those wishing to combine their event with a premium catering service. Café Vita provides a great escape from the conferencing and events setting, with many of our delegates taking advantage of the relaxed setting for meetings with colleagues or to mull over the day’s events with a homemade cake or pastry and whole bean coffee. With free wi-fi Café Vita and the Balcony Bar provide the perfect atmosphere and venue for all occasions. Serving a mouth-watering selection of traditional, and home made options and daily chef’s specials Café Vita offers a relaxing, comfortable and welcoming dining experience. The Balcony Bar, with its views of the gardens outside The Hawth, provides delegates with the perfect picturesque environment to unwind after a long day. With a fully licensed bar The Hawth is the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing glass of wine or cold beer whilst conversing with friends and colleagues. Our menus reflect the very best seasonal ingredients, therefore our range of menus are included as inserts to this brochure, and are also available on line at www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.
Client Testimonial ‘a very well run operation, thanks to your staff for making it a very good day' Chichester Borough Council
Tailored for you At The Hawth we recognise that the requirements of each individual client will be exclusive to their event. It is therefore important to acknowledge that this uniqueness must be reflected across the various stages associated with your event.
Exclusive partnership rates at Tilgate Golf Course for your guests Room dressings tailored to meet your bespoke requirements Air conditioned conference suites
Throughout the consultation, planning and implementation of your event, the management team will endeavour to surpass expectations with the highest quality service delivery, outstanding facilities and exceptional customer satisfaction. With our stunning and versatile range of conference suites available for product launches, AGM's, presentations, exhibitions and various other events, we are able to offer you an incomparable level of service that will be tailor made to meet your requirements in a cost effective manner.
A wide range of hot and cold refreshments served in the comfort of your meeting room Dedicated staff to support you and your event The use of our box office ticketing facilities and front of house staff Additional on site bars and cafĂŠ Dedicated private car and coach parking within the grounds
We offer: Eight conference suites and two dedicated theatre venues
An array of local partnerships to ensure that any equipment required can be provided
Discounted local accommodation rates negotiated on your behalf
Delegate transport from all major airports and stations
Free wireless internet connection in all meeting rooms and public spaces. State of the art surround sound speaker systems to add depth to your presentation A vast range of audio visual equipment such as radio microphones, video cameras, overhead digital projectors, flip charts, whiteboards and DVD player Outdoor amphitheatre and woodland surroundings for team building activities
How to get here The Hawth is conveniently located midway between London and Brighton and is easily accessible by road, rail, air and public transport.
By Rail
Parking is easy and plentiful at The Hawth with free car parking on site for 250 cars and dedicated coach parking for large groups.
Three Bridges and Crawley train stations are both approximately a 15 minute walk away. For further information about rail services, visit www.thetrainline.com. Both stations have taxi ranks immediately outside, however the Hawth management team are also able to arrange private hire for you and your guests.
By Road
By Air
The Hawth is minutes away from junction 10 of the M23 which links to the M25. The Hawth is well signposted on all major routes into the town.
Crawley is just four miles from Gatwick Airport, making it a perfect location for European or International guests. If you have delegates attending on either domestic or international flights they can arrive at the Hawth Theatre in less than 20 minutes.
Parking
From the South Exit the M23 at junction 11, approach the roundabout and take the exit sign posted Crawley (A23). At the roundabout with Broadfield Football Stadium on the left, turn right onto Southgate Avenue. When approaching the third set of traffic lights take the right hand lane and turn into Hawth Avenue. Follow the road and you'll find us on the left hand side.
The Hawth Hawth Avenue Crawley RH10 6YZ Telephone: 01293 859949 Email: hawthhire@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
From the North Exit the M23 at junction 10 and follow signs to Crawley. At the roundabout take the first exit, then, at the set of lights turn right. Continue along the A2220 until you come to a large 'square' roundabout with a Holiday Inn Express hotel on it. Drive past the flats on the left hand side and take the next left which takes you over a railway bridge. The Hawth is right at the next roundabout.
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From the East Approaching Crawley along the A264, take the second exit at the Copthorne Hotel roundabout (Copthorne Way A264) which will bring you to the roundabout at Junction 10 of the M23. Take the second exit (marked Crawley) and continue as above.
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The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6YZ www.hawth.co.uk Email: hawthhire@parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Telephone: 01293 859949
Parkwood Theatres Working in partnership