Launched in September 2012 after a comprehensive refurbishment of the facility, which is jointly managed by Buxton Opera House and Pavilion Gardens, The Pavilion Arts Centre offers a prestigious environment to host all types of events.
Originally opened as The Entertainment Stage in 1889, and later known as the Paxton Suite, the renovations have painstakingly retained many of the early Victorian features complemented by a new contemporary design. The venue is now the home of Buxton Cinema (managed by Buxton Opera House) which showcases the latest film releases throughout the year and has all the cinematic thrills and frills you’d expect from your local cinema.
The main room has 360 seats (comprising 78 moveable, 140 retractable each with a writing tablet and 142 balcony) and the Studio Theatre has 93 seats (of which 58 are retractable). With large open floor areas, the venue can accommodate a variety of activities and events including lecture style presentations, exhibitions, meetings, conferences, social events, weddings and functions.
There is a fully functional bar with a spacious reception area featuring small sections of ancillary soft seating.
The ingenious design of the Pavilion Arts Centre allows for dual events to take place simultaneously, using both the Studio Theatre and Main Auditorium space. Using this venue means you can access state of the art visual, lighting, sound and communication equipment to support your event.
Our remotely-operated lighting system is highly advanced and is purpose designed to function within a working theatre. The sound and communications facilities are outstanding and provide modern user friendly technology to support live and recorded music, spoken word and web interface.
Linked to flexible laptop connection points, the video projection system projects images and video onto a (4100mm w. by 3000mm h.) electronic roller screen located above the main stage and centrally positioned for clear viewing from the main room, which is ideal for lectures, training courses and conferences.
Our main technical features include;
- Infra-Red 2-channel hearing system
- Induction Loop Hearing Assist System
- Video Projector (Complete with interface electronics for signal over Cat 5e)
- DVD Player
- Remote Projection Screen (4100mm wide / 3000mm height)
- Portable Lectern
- Data connections points
- Wi-Fi.
- Microphones
- Sound mixing system
- Comprehensive theatre lighting
Extensive catering facilities are available within the main Pavilion Gardens building and we can also provide many food and drink options to complement your booking in the Pavilion Arts Centre. Your booking will be supported by a dedicated team of friendly professionals with decades of experience. We will be constantly on hand to ensure your event runs like clockwork.
For more information, to discuss delegate rates or to book, please contact us.
Floor style and maximum capacity
The Pavilion Arts Centre
Theatre 340
Classroom 60
Boardroom 60
U Shape 45
Lunch/Dinner 100
Dinner & Dance 80
Standing 300
The Studio
Theatre 93
Classroom 27
Boardroom 42
U Shape 34
Lunch/Dinner N/A
Dinner & Dance N/A
Standing 100
The Pavilion Arts Centre Bar
Theatre 40
Classroom 20
Boardroom 21
U Shape 21
Lunch/Dinner N/A
Dinner & Dance N/A
Standing 50