Events at Henfield, Henfield

About Henfield

Henfield Hall is the principal community events venue in the village of Henfield, West Sussex. It opened in 1974 and has been the “home of the community for over 50 years” (www.henfieldhall.org.uk) (www.henfieldthenandnow.net). The main indoor space – known as the Whittome Hall – measures about 20m by 12m and includes a full-size stage with theatre-quality lighting, a built-in projector and screen, and a modern sound system (www.henfieldhall.org.uk) (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). This main hall can seat up to 240 people (around 176 with tables) (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). The building also contains a bright Garden Room (roughly 16m × 6–10m) for smaller gatherings (www.henfieldhall.org.uk), as well as a foyer, kitchen hatch and bar area. Notably, Henfield Museum and the local Parish Council office share the hall’s entrance foyer (www.accesshenfield.com), making this a unique cultural hub where history and village life connect under one roof.

The hall’s architecture is simple but functional: a single-storey complex with step-free entrances and wide corridors. This design – with ramps and a push-button front door – ensures wheelchair access throughout (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). In fact, the venue advertises “disabled access” and offers features like hearing loops for the hard-of-hearing (www.henfieldhall.org.uk) (www.accesshenfield.com). Stylish wooden floors and acoustic finishes mean the sound carries evenly; audience members generally report clear audio and a warm acoustic for music or theatre. A licensed bar and basic backstage amenities support events (www.henfieldhall.org.uk) (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). Altogether, Henfield Hall’s blend of performance facilities, community meeting spaces and heritage exhibits has made it a beloved landmark in the Henfield area.

Events and Programming

Henfield Hall hosts a wide range of public events, catering to music lovers, theatre-goers, families and community groups. Local amateur performers regularly stage plays and musicals here – for example, the Henfield Theatre Company’s annual pantomime (recently “Beauty and the Beast” (www.henfieldtheatrecompany.com)) and other showstopping productions. The full-stage setup and lighting allow rock bands, jazz combos and acoustic singers to perform concerts in an intimate setting. Indeed, touring acts like the Riverboat Shuffle blues band have played hall concerts as part of special events (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). The venue even transforms into a pop-up cinema from time to time, with the ceiling projector used for film nights.

Comedy is a big draw: the “Henfield Comedy Club” (organised by Funny That Comedy) brings touring stand-up comedians to the village approximately once a quarter. These sell-out nights often require advance booking. Apart from shows, the hall is bustling with community gatherings. Local charities and clubs use the space for craft fairs, markets and jumble sales. For instance, plant sales and Saturday coffee mornings regularly take place in the adjacent Garden Room and garden area (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). Seasonal events like the Annual Village Quiz or Summer Fête are popular too – the quiz is typically an 8-person team event (around £80 per table, including supper (www.henfieldhall.org.uk)). In 2025 the hall even celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special open-air “Garden Day”, featuring live music (e.g. jazz on the lawn) and Pimms (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). Many of these events are free or low-cost; ticketed concerts and shows usually range from about £10–£15 per person (with comedian nights closer to £20), but some functions are donation based. Recurring highlights include pantomime in winter, comedy and cabaret evenings, spring jumble sales, autumn arts-and-crafts fairs and the open-air carol singalong at Christmas time. Overall, visitors can expect something happening at Henfield Hall almost every month, run by volunteers and local organisations. (www.accesshenfield.com) (www.henfieldhall.org.uk)

Tickets and Booking

Henfield Hall does not have a traditional box office or phone line. Instead, tickets for individual events are sold by the event organisers. For example, theatre productions and comedy nights typically sell tickets online (often via Eventbrite or the organiser’s website) well in advance, and sometimes at the door if not sold out. Details are usually announced on community notice boards and social media. For private bookings (weddings, parties, meetings), the hall offers an online booking system via its website (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). Anyone can view availability using the “calendar and book online” Hallmaster system (www.henfieldhall.org.uk) and submit a request, but note that payment is done by bank transfer or cheque (the hall does not handle cash) (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). Because popular shows can sell out, it’s best to reserve early. In practice, many people simply keep an eye on Henfield Hall’s Facebook page or local newsletters for ticket launch dates. As a rough guide, pantomime and big concerts go on sale several months ahead, while small community events may only require an RSVP or a nominal entry fee at the door.

Seating and Layout

The main Whittome Hall is a large rectangular space with a raised proscenium stage at one end. The audience area is on a flat floor – there is no balcony or tiered seating. By default, rows of movable chairs are set up facing the stage. For dinner dances or meals, round tables replace rows and that reduces capacity to about 176 (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). During a show, good seats are generally in the central block or nearer the front; the very back rows can be built-up to allow people in the back to see over those in front. Because the hall is flat, getting an unobstructed view sometimes means arriving early. There is no permanent VIP section, although organisers sometimes reserve the front row for special guests. Acoustic perspective is fairly even: the stage speakers face downward and outward so sound reaches the rear well, but seats close to the stage can be loud on high-volume nights. (Those sensitive to bass might choose a middle-row seat.) In short, the best view is typically straight ahead and mid-distance. If an event uses the projector, a full-size screen drops down over the front of stage (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). The smaller Garden Room offers a cozy 120-capacity alternative (bright lighting, versatile setup) (www.henfieldhall.org.uk), but most concerts and plays happen on the main stage. In either space, seating is usually open-front: come early to pick preferred seats.

Getting There and Parking

Henfield Hall is located at Coopers Way, Henfield, BN5 9EQ (www.henfieldhall.org.uk), just off the village High Street (behind the Budgens supermarket). By car, the fastest routes are via the A24 from Horsham/Abinger (north) or the B2135 from Worthing (south). The hall entrance is on a side road (Coopers Way) with visible signage. There is a large municipal car park next to the hall that holds around 90 cars (www.accesshenfield.com). This car park belongs to Horsham District Council and operates a resident parking disc/permit scheme (introduced in 2017) (www.horsham.gov.uk). In practice this means local permit holders park at no charge, and visitors without a permit should pay at the machine or display a visitor pass. Four marked disabled bays are provided in the Coopers Way car park for blue-badge holders (www.accesshenfield.com). Additional parking is available on nearby village streets (some short-term free spots near the library), but street parking can fill up quickly on event nights. Rideshare drop-offs can be made at the front ramp off Coopers Way.

Public transport options: Stagecoach bus 17 (route Brighton–Henfield–Horsham) stops in the village centre, as do Compass Travel routes 100 (Horsham–Henfield–Burgess Hill) and 106 (Worthing–Henfield) (bustimes.org). The nearest stops to the hall are on High Street near the Bus Garage junction (about a 5-minute walk). There is no train station in Henfield itself; the closest are Horsham (11 miles north) and Burgess Hill or Three Rivers (around 10–12 miles to the east), from which one can catch a connecting bus or taxi to Henfield. Travellers coming from London or Gatwick often take Thameslink to Horsham and then a bus. In all cases, buses may stop earlier in the evening, so check the timetable. For late-night visits, clock rides or local taxis can be pre-arranged in advance (Henfield has no regular taxi rank). Village Daytime buses run every 1–2 hours to Horsham, Burgess Hill or Brighton (bustimes.org); always allow extra time in case of delays.

Inside the Venue

Walking in, visitors enter through an automatic front door into a spacious foyer. Staff or volunteers often welcome guests and check tickets here. The foyer is furnished with seats and notice boards. There is no cloakroom service; guests typically keep coats on the back of their chairs or near the door. A sturdy bar is located just beyond the foyer, serving a range of drinks. Alcoholic drinks (cask ales, lager, wine, cider) and soft drinks are available during shows (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). Most patrons pay by card or cash at this bar. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the building (www.henfieldhall.org.uk), so you can use your phone or tablet to check arrangements or send messages while waiting.

The main auditorium is accessed through double doors from the foyer. Inside the hall, the décor is simple – neutral walls and ceiling, with professional stage lighting rigs. During an event, ushers will guide you to your seat. Should you need to move around, the aisles are fairly wide and staff can accommodate wheelchairs. If you have a disability, the hall has modern accessible facilities, including a wheelchair lift in the lobby and elevators to the platform (if used). There is also a hearing loop system in the main hall (www.accesshenfield.com), and additional portable hearing units can be provided by asking a steward.

Restrooms are off the foyer hallway. There are separate ladies’ and gents’ toilets, and at least one unisex disabled toilet (with adjustable basin and alarm) (www.accesshenfield.com). Two of the ladies’ cubicles have grab rails, and a baby-changing table is available. The toilets are non-gendered in compliance with access regulations. If you need assistance, a volunteer will gladly help you navigate the space – the entire building is on one level. Occasionally, small acts or shows set up a merchandise stall or street-food concession in the foyer or by the bar, but this is event-dependent.

Nearby Amenities

Henfield Hall sits right at the heart of the village, so a variety of shops and eateries are within easy walking distance. On the High Street (a couple of minutes’ walk), you’ll find pubs and restaurants: The Plough Inn (a traditional pub with meals) and The Bull Inn (known for pizzas and ales) are popular for pre- or post-show dining. The Post House Café is close by if you need coffee, pastries or a quick lunch earlier in the day. For even better dining, the Kickshaws Restaurant and Rooms (fine-dining spot) is about a mile south on the Steyning Road.

For groceries and last-minute items, a Budgens/Co-op supermarket is adjacent to the hall complex, and a small Post Office/store is a few yards away. There are a few B&Bs and guesthouses in Henfield for overnight stays; The George House Bed & Breakfast and rooms above the Plough Inn are local choices. In a pinch, budget hotels (Travelodge or Premier Inn) can be found in nearby towns like Worthing or Horsham, with Henfield conveniently located between them. If you’re driving, allow extra time to park and walk over; on busy event nights High Street parking can fill up by 7pm.

What Makes This Venue Special

Henfield Hall’s charm lies in its grass-roots character. Unlike a corporate theatre, it’s run by local volunteers and trustees who tailor everything to the village’s needs. The building has seen Henfield grow: originally opened on former market-garden land (www.henfieldthenandnow.net), it was later expanded (the museum wing added in the 1990s and the Garden Room in 2000 (www.henfieldthenandnow.net)) to accommodate more activities. It carries a sense of history – everyone from schoolchildren to grandparents will have memories of events here, making it a sentimental favourite. The Hall’s 50th anniversary was marked by special upgrades: a new “Golden Bee” pollinator garden was planted in 2024 to celebrate the link between the community and nature (www.henfieldhall.org.uk), and solar panels now power the hall’s energy needs. These eco-friendly efforts and the honey-security motif add a unique touch positioning Henfield Hall as both old and new.

Culturally, Henfield Hall is a local mecca. It has played host to dozens of well-known acts over the years (in the local, circuit sense) – from beloved village pantos that sell out every winter to jazz nights that bring in Sussex’s best session players. The intimate stage has seen heartfelt drama productions, foot-stomping folk concerts, and rip-roaring comedy sets. Through all this, it remains homegrown. Even touring performers comment on the warm, close-knit audience and the unpretentious vibe. Villagers often say the hall “feels like a second home”: it’s where children’s Cinderellas grow into proud stage managers and families make annual traditions.

In the wider community, Henfield Hall is a hub for charity and social life. Annual events (like the Summer Fête or Christmas Market) benefit local causes and bring the whole village together. Its impact goes beyond entertainment – local clubs, scout troops, exercise classes, and even council meetings happen here. The conservation of its “old hall” charm, blended with modern tech (LED theatre lights, a high-lumen projector, hearing services), keeps Henfield Hall beloved by both performers and the public. In short, Henfield Hall’s combination of history, versatility and community spirit makes it special – it’s not just a place to see a show, but a symbol of village heritage. (www.accesshenfield.com) (www.henfieldhall.org.uk)

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility features: There are no stairs to negotiate on arrival. The main entrance has a gentle ramp and automatic doors (www.henfieldhall.org.uk). An accessible parking space is provided right outside, and wheelchairs can be stored out of the way. An usher can guide you from the car park to the hall entrance if needed. Service dogs are welcome; unfortunately, other pets are not permitted. (Please note mobility scooters are not allowed inside the hall itself for safety, though you can park them covered in the porch area (www.accesshenfield.com).)

What to bring: If you have tickets, just bring them (either printed or on your phone screen). There’s no need to print if an email confirmation suffices. You are encouraged to carry some cash for small purchases at the bar, though card payments are widely accepted. A bottle of water or snack is usually allowed (especially for children), but outside alcohol or big food delivery orders are discouraged as there is an on-site bar and no kitchen service for patrons. Dress code is casual – people tend to come in smart-casual clothes, especially for evening concerts or pantomimes, but jeans and nice top are absolutely fine. On colder days, a light jumper is handy as community halls can sometimes feel cool at doors.

Arrival and etiquette: Doors generally open about 30 minutes before the event start time. Plan to arrive early (especially for popular shows) so you can park and find seats before the performance begins. During popular events like the Village Quiz, it’s best to arrive 15–20 minutes early to avoid entry queues. Check if the event has an interval; many theatre shows include one, but not all concerts. If allowed, visit the restroom beforehand – after curtain-up it can be disruptive to leave your seat. Flash photography and video recording are prohibited during shows, so you won’t see much filming being done – but casual photos (no flash) before or after the event are fine.

Age guidelines: Henfield Hall hosts both family-friendly and adults-only shows. Children are welcome at pantomimes, folk concerts and fair-type events, but comedy nights are generally recommended for ages 16 or 18+ due to mature content. If an event is restricted (e.g. an R-rated film or late-night comedy), this should be noted in advance. (If in doubt, check with the organiser.) The bar card machine will ask for ID if you look under 25 for alcohol. Always respect the event’s age limit policy.

Phone and connectivity: Wi-Fi is available for guests (www.henfieldhall.org.uk), so you can discreetly use smartphones or tablets. However, please switch phones to silent during performances. Conversations should be kept quiet to not disturb others. An encore or applause is usually requested at the end of a piece – this community always rewards a good performance warmly!