Venue Hire
A unique blend of modern facilities and cultural charm, right in the heart of Southport
Venue Hire
The Atkinson offers a versatile venue for a wide range of events, from theatre productions and craft workshops to board meetings and art exhibitions.
Explore the details below to see if our space meets your event needs.
Please note, The Atkinson is not available for private celebrations such as wedding receptions, birthday parties, or discos.
Hire charges vary based on the type of event and the space required. For more information, please review the information below and reach out to us via email with your event details.
Theatre
A fully accessible space perfect for performances, conferences, film screenings, presentations and school events.
The stage is a traditional proscenium arch design. Full stage depth is 10m. The stage wall to wall measurement is 13m. The proscenium arch height is 7m with an overall opening width of 10m. The stage is approximately 585mm above the auditorium floor level.
A first floor venue with loading access off the front access road via a new stage lift.
Capacity 405 includes wheelchair and carer positions; the main seating is raked reserved seating only.
Performance space specifications are subject to change, please contact the venue prior to your visit to confirm current specs.
Studio
A flexible space which can be set up in a variety of layouts and is ideal for performances, presentations and networking events.
The Studio is an open stage venue, although with provision for a soft proscenium as and when required. Full stage depth is 5m. The stage wall to wall measurement is 14.6m. The soft proscenium arch height would be about 5m with an overall opening width of about 9m. The stage is 625mm above the auditorium floor level.
A first floor venue with loading access off the rear Sharrock Street loading bay via a goods lift.
Performance space specifications are subject to change, please contact the venue prior to your visit to confirm current specs.
Raked Seating
Reserved seating – capacity 280
Clubstyle
Tables & Chairs lower level reserved seating – capacity 104
Balcony upper level reserved seating – capacity 124
(combined capacity 228)
Meeting Rooms
The Atkinson offers a limited selection of meeting rooms available for hire, perfect for hosting meetings, workshops, or activities.
Contact us to discuss your specific requirements and how we can best accommodate your needs.
Room 1, Southport Library
10 maximum capacity
Learning Room 2, Bank Building
20 maximum capacity
Learning Room 3, Bank Building
30 maximum capacity
The Landing Gallery
The Landing is a Gallery showcasing affordable artwork from leading regional artists, with regularly changing exhibitions.
Are you an artist? Are you interested in displaying and selling your artwork in our commercial gallery? Take a look at the application form below to see how.
In addition, every spring local artists have the opportunity to display their work at The Atkinson as part of the annual Sefton Open exhibition.
Art Gallery & Museum
You can host a reception for your guests or have a private tour of the exhibitions or even look behind the scenes at our fascinating collections of art, history and Egyptology.
We can tailor an event or activity to suit your individual needs and can provide curatorial speakers, catering and presentation equipment.
The Atkinson presents a huge variety of exhibitions from international touring projects to local art shows.
Subject to availability and suitability. Please email us with your details and a member of staff will be in touch.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Community and Commercial bookings?
Community bookings are applicable to:
• Registered Charities
• Public Sector Bodies
• Sefton Community Organisations
• Sefton Schools
Commercial bookings are applicable to:
• Professional Theatre Companies, Booking Agents
• Business Users; for example a business user is a limited company (not charity), a partnership, a sole trader, a franchisee or friendly society
• Private Functions; for example a private function is an event organised by an individual or group where entry is by invitation only
• Private Dance & Drama Schools.
Why do I need Public Liability Insurance?
The Atkinson’s Public Liability Insurance policy only covers any accidents or damage caused by us, the Hirer is required to take out Public Liability Insurance to cover all their activities/events taking place within The Atkinson. As a Hirer you are responsible for any accidents or damage to our venue, equipment and to the public caused by your staff, performers etc.
Hirers are required to send in a copy of their policy before the activity/event takes place, without this we are not able to hold the activity/event at The Atkinson.
Please note: Hirers must also ensure that they have in effect at the time of their use of The Atkinson, appropriate insurance cover for any equipment they bring on to site to use during their hire, Sefton Council will not be held responsible for any loss, theft or damage of any equipment.
What is PPL/PRS?
PPL/PRS represents members’ performing rights, whenever a piece of music is performed or played in any public space or place outside of the home. Performing rights royalties are paid to a songwriter, composer or publisher whenever their music is played or performed in any public space or place.
The Atkinson holds a PPL/PRS licence and we are obliged to make quarterly returns to the Performing Rights Society. If you have obtained a licence to perform or letter of permission we require a copy of this for our records or we will have to charge the current PPL/PRS levy applicable to your event.
For further information visit pplprs.co.uk.
An Ancient Melody, William Henry Longmaid (1835–1919). Atkinson Art Gallery Collection.