Events at Westend Event Centre, Hornby

About Westend Event Centre

Westend Event Centre is a versatile indoor/outdoor venue in the Hei Hei/Hornby suburb of Christchurch. It’s described as “an indoor dancehall venue with attached heated outdoor courtyard” fully equipped for live events (nzvenues.co.nz). Inside you’ll find a raised stage at one end of an open floor (about 132 m², roughly 8.5×15.5m) and a nightclub-like sound-and-light setup. For example, venue listings praise its “superb sound system and acoustics” along with “phenomenal DJ lights and stunning big screen visuals” (nzvenues.co.nz). Westend also advertises that its hire package includes professional sound, lighting, PA system, security and even cleanup – essentially a turnkey party space (nzvenues.co.nz). With seating for about 140 (on removable chairs) or up to ~250 standing, it can host anything from private weddings or corporate dinners to full-on concerts. The venue is just a 5-minute drive from Christchurch Airport (www.sharedspace.co.nz) and emphasizes easy access, with on-site carparking and nearby buses (www.westend.nz) (nzvenues.co.nz). In short, Westend has become a local favorite by offering a modern, flexible party hall right on the city’s western edge.

Events and Programming

Westend’s calendar is packed with diverse events. It’s popular for milestone celebrations – especially 21st birthdays – and reviews often highlight the friendly event staff and party atmosphere they provide (wanderlog.com). The venue regularly hosts live music and dance nights, from local bands and tribute shows to DJ-driven raves. For example, a Shapeshifter frontman (P-Diggs) headlined a Westend gig in 2022 (www.eventfinda.co.nz), and local EDM promoters have staged “rave” events (tickets for one such event were $35 GA (www.eventfinda.co.nz)). In late 2023 Westend unveiled a brand-new outdoor arena called “The Canyon,” a walled outdoor concert space. Its grand opening festival featured 8 hard-hitting DJs and an industry-grade sound system (the event blurb describes a “multi-genre open air music festival” with “EuphoricBuzz” speakers) (www.ticketfairy.com). Beyond concerts, Westend also hosts university balls, corporate galas and community functions – even a university women-in-engineering ball was held here with rave reviews (wanderlog.com). In short, the programming runs the gamut from rock shows and dance parties through to formal dinners and wedding receptions. Typical ticket ranges vary widely by event (local club nights are often $20–40, as illustrated by a recent $35 GA price (www.eventfinda.co.nz)), with higher prices for touring acts or festivals.

Tickets and Booking

If you’re planning to attend a show at Westend, tickets are usually sold online through event promoters or general ticketing outlets (and often at the door if the show isn’t sold out). Popular dance and live-music events typically appear on local listings well in advance, so keep an eye on any Christchurch concert guides or Westend’s own announcements. For major events, presale tickets can sell out quickly – for example, GA entry to one Westend rave was listing at NZ$35 in advance (www.eventfinda.co.nz). There is no fan-only box office website to visit, but you can buy tickets through the usual channels (and sometimes directly at the venue ticket table on event night if still available). Prices vary by show: casual dance parties and club nights may be relatively inexpensive, while headline concerts or New Year’s parties cost more. Weekend shows often sell out early, so the best strategy is to buy online soon after tickets go on sale. For group or private events (like a company party or wedding), you can hire the venue – Westend’s booking info (details like phone 03 344 0003) is available on their site and listings (nzvenues.co.nz), but for public concerts you just follow the event’s ticket announcement.

Seating and Layout

Westend’s main hall is essentially one large, flexible space. By default it’s set up with a dance floor in front of a raised stage, plus rows of removable chairs that can be arranged as dining tables or auditorium seating. When cleared for a concert, the entire floor becomes general admission standing room (capacity ~250) with a clear view of the stage. If seats are out, any spot on the floor is a dance-floor spot – those up front nearest the center of the stage usually have the best sound and view. When chairs are used (e.g. for a formal dinner or wedding), they can be placed around the room; front-row seats give the best views, while high tables along the sides are good for mingling. The venue’s superb acoustics and sound system mean the music carries well throughout (nzvenues.co.nz), so even the back or side seats hear clearly. There are no balconies or hidden corners – it’s all on one level – so sightlines are generally good, though very long people in front rows might occasionally block those directly behind. For really large events on weekends you should line up early if you want front/dance-floor positions. Notably, Westend often uses its indoor space as a VIP lounge or “pre-party” area for big festivals at The Canyon; the site even advertises that its indoor lounge doubles as a VIP zone before/after canyon shows (www.westend.nz). Finally, Westend has a high-definition projection screen and mix of club lights, so many seats have a clear view of visuals or dancers on the platform.

Getting There and Parking

Westend is located at 106A Carmen Road (at the entrance to Carmen Place) in the industrial area south of Hornby. This spot in Hei Hei is just off a big parallel artery, the main road between Christchurch city and the airport. If you’re driving, Westend has ample free onsite parking – bookings mention “80 car parks and drop-off zone” right beside the building (nzvenues.co.nz). Parking is free and plentiful, as the venue sits in a complex with its own lot (first-come, first-served). Street parking is also available on Carmen Road (typically unrestricted after 9pm). The hall is only about a 5–10 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, making it convenient if you’re flying in or staying in airport-area hotels (www.sharedspace.co.nz). For taxis or rideshare, there’s a designated drop-off lane right at the front door (the venue notes its on-site drop-off zone (nzvenues.co.nz)). Public transit: Metro buses run past Hornby and Carmen Road. For example, Metro route 125 (Redwood–Halswell via Hornby) has several stops on Carmen Road (look for “Carmen Rd near Waterloo Rd” or “Main South Rd near Carmen Rd” – these stops are a short walk to Westend) (moovitapp.com). Note that bus service east-west on Carmen Rd drops to about 30–60 minute frequency and stops around 10pm (Saturday’s last run is roughly 22:45 (moovitapp.com)). If your event runs past 10pm, you’ll need to plan a taxi or Uber for the ride home. Nearest major bus hub is Hornby’s “Hub” shopping centre ~2km east (served by many routes from Christchurch and Riccarton), but the Carmen Rd stops above are closer. In any case, getting a ride-share or taxi (Uber/Ola) is easy at the end of the night – the Hornby area has plenty of cabs and Uber drivers.

Inside the Venue

Upon entry, expect a friendly party vibe. Staff typically include door security (for R18 events) and the owner/promoter team (reviews mention how staff like “Laura” keep things running smoothly during big nights (wanderlog.com)). It truly feels like a night-club or banquet hall: a lounge area with couches, a coat/phone-check corner (if needed), and dozens of stacked chairs or tables off to the sides. The venue is fully air-conditioned for comfort (www.sharedspace.co.nz), so it’s pleasant inside on summer nights or winter afternoons. Westend stocks a full-service bar with skilled bartenders (www.westend.nz). This licensed bar serves a wide range of drinks (beer, wine, spirits and cocktails) – in fact the hire package includes “fully licensed bar” service for all events. Many guests comment that ordering drinks is a breeze thanks to the efficient bar team. You can pay by cash or card at the bar. (Tip: Lines can build up on busy nights, so you might queue or grab pre-ordered drinks during a break.) For entertainment tech, Westend delivers: there’s a high-quality sound system and mixer already in place, plus disco lights, and an HD projector/screen (www.sharedspace.co.nz) (nzvenues.co.nz). At larger shows or private functions, professional DJ equipment (CDJs, mixer, mics, etc.) are often set up for the night. Bathrooms are modern and well-maintained. The atmosphere is private and safe – reviews praise how secure yet relaxed the vibe is. Free Wi-Fi is typically available throughout the hall (www.sharedspace.co.nz), which is handy if you need an internet connection (for business events or simply sharing photos). If your party needs extras, Westend can even provide event add-ons as part of the booking (their promotional material mentions extras like DJs and photographers available on request (nzvenues.co.nz)). In short, inside the venue you’ll find a clean, well-lit party hall with everything (lighting, heating, bar, toilets, lounge seating) laid on, so you can focus on enjoying the show or celebration.

Nearby Amenities

The surrounding area of Hornby/Hei Hei offers plenty for pre- or post-show needs. Right on Carmen Road, the historic Morley’s Bar & Restaurant (at 79 Carmen Rd) is a neighbourhood pub and eatery housed in an old homestead (www.canterburystories.nz). It’s a great spot for a meal or drinks before an event (Morley’s serves classic Kiwi pub fare). A couple of bar/restaurants and cafés are within a few minutes’ drive. For a quick bite or coffee, Hornby Mall (The Hub Hornby) is only ~2 km east on Carmen/Main South Road – it has food-court outlets, pizza/takeaway shops, and chain restaurants (Burger King/KFC/Subway, etc.), as well as some bars. If you have time to spare, the nearby Sockburn industrial area also has ethnic diners, barbecue joints, and cafes along Main South Road. Alcohol-wise, aside from Morley’s you can hop over a block to a big liquor store or use the venue bar. Overnight visitors will find several hotels/motels within a 5–10 minute drive. Christchurch’s airport-area hotels – for example Sudima, Quality Hotel Elms or Ibis next to the junction – are very close by due to Westend’s proximity to the airport (www.sharedspace.co.nz). There are also motels and small inns around Riccarton and Riccarton/Barrington (five to ten minutes away) if you want more selection. After shows, late-night rideshares and taxis are plentiful at Hornby; buses cease around 10pm, so late-night revellers usually take a cab/uber back downtown.

What Makes This Venue Special

Westend stands out in Christchurch’s music and events scene for its all-in-one convenience and character. Unlike inner-city bars, it’s a big blank-slate hall that still feels lively and stylish. One charm is its blend of indoor comfort and outdoor space – a heated courtyard lets guests spread out under the night sky, which is unusual in our region. Reviewers love this contrast, noting for example that the outdoor area is **heated and spacious** (wanderlog.com) and the indoors feels like a private nightclub. The local community also values Westend as a friendly, owner-run venue. Multiple testimonials mention the helpful staff (often named Laura or Matt) who make events stress-free and memorable (wanderlog.com) (wanderlog.com). Technically it’s top-notch too: the venue advertises “aircraft-hangar” space with pro sound and lighting included (nzvenues.co.nz). This means local bands and DJs get high-quality production (which isn’t true of many suburban halls). Its new outdoor section “The Canyon” adds a built-in festival field – essentially an industrial courtyard walled on three sides (www.westend.nz) where you can throw an open-air concert. Culturally, Westend has filled a gap by bringing big events to the west side of town. It’s become a local tradition that a lot of people choose their 21st, 30th, or wedding here. Even hard-rock gigs (like Shapeshifter’s members or metal cover bands) have come to a space you might otherwise only associate with corporate dinners. In short, Westend is special for being an accessible, well-equipped venue that hosts “everything from 21st birthdays to elegant balls” (nzvenues.co.nz). For artists and audiences alike, it’s a go-to because you get city-quality sound and lights, a great bar, and friendly service – all in a personalized, neighbourhood atmosphere.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: Westend is fully on one level, with wheelchair-friendly entrances and toilets, (thecommunity.co.nz) so most areas are accessible. If mobility access is a concern, let the staff know when booking. The floors are smooth concrete, though during events the lighting can be dim for dancing. Getting Prepared: For an evening gig, it’s wise to arrive at least 20–30 minutes early if you want prime standing-room near the stage. Doors often open about half an hour before showtime. Bring photo ID if your event is 18+, since the licensed bar enforces age checks (many shows here are R18 (www.eventfinda.co.nz)). Cash is handy for smaller purchases, though the bar and any on-site vendors also take cards. If you have VIP or dinner seating, the host usually has instructions – but for GA parties, it’s simply first-come, first-served. Moderate to loud music is the rule, so earplugs can be useful for kids or sensitive ears. For Canyon concerts or summer events, pack a light jacket – the courtyard space can get chilly after sunset. What to Bring/Not Bring: You can bring a small personal bag or camera (non-professional) to an event, but large backpacks or outside alcohol are discouraged. (Westend is licensed, so BYO alcohol is not allowed.)　Smoking must be done in designated outdoor areas – it’s a smoke-free indoor environment. Drinks and Food: The venue’s bar has a full range of drinks and often serves simple snacks, but you can’t bring in outside alcohol. (Some booked events may have food trucks in the courtyard; check the event page for “no outside food” rules.) A typical visitor might grab dinner at Hornby Hub beforehand or arrange a catered platter if it’s a private function. After the show, nearby options like Morley’s or Hornby fast-food joints stay open late for a nightcap or snack. Atmosphere and Dress: There’s no strict dress code – most people dress casually or club-smart. For club nights, think of it as you would a downtown dance club (jeans and a nice shirt, for instance). For formal events like weddings or balls, guests usually dress up. In general, wear shoes you can dance in and consider layers since rooms can feel warm once packed. Common Tips: Official reviews note the venue runs events very smoothly if you cooperate with the friendly staff – for example, keep the area tidy by sending drinks back or disposing of cups in bins. Remember that big events often roll Ethernet or power cables along certain paths, so watch where you step. If it’s your first time, a useful habit is to scope out the nearest exits and facilities when you arrive (restrooms, bar, stage, etc.). Finally, local advice is to say hi to the team – many find the Westend owners informal and helpful when you arrive, making the evening even more enjoyable.