It’s hard to find excitement in throwing or attending a party when it’s snowing outside and the thermometer is bordering the minus digits. Equally, we know it seems a little out of place organising your Christmas party when summer is just around the corner. But, all of that negativity falls away when it comes to Christmas parties. Traditionally, these end-of-year bashes are easily the highlight of the year, which puts a lot of pressure to impress every year. There are a few things to consider when choosing your Christmas party venue, it’s easy to choose a stellar venue to really wow your guests upon arrival, but it’s actually the smaller details that can make or break an event.

Size

If you’re expecting 500 people at your Christmas party don’t select a venue that caters for 1000+. The Artillery Garden is split into two rooms, one suitable for smaller party sizes and the other for much larger groups.  Did you know City Central also does shared party nights, perfect for groups of 10 or more.

Décor

Whether it’s a modest Christmas party, or pulling out all the stops, keeping within your budget is key. City Central at The HAC offers full decor, theming and ambient lighting, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Not even Christmas crackers!

On-Site Services

Dealing with a multitude of outside services can get confusing when it comes to coordinating, receiving and paying invoices, delivery times on the day, and of course, the possibility of forgetting something. City Central has a complete party package, so all you and your guests need to do is turn up and celebrate.

Accessibility

More than likely your guests will be utilising public transport, so you want to ensure that your venue is within walking distance of bus or train services. City Central is situated in the heart of London, in close proximity from Liverpool Street, Old Street and Moorgate stations. There are also several accommodation options in this area, meaning that guests that travel from afar can book themselves a room, a short distance from the party.

Efficient Staff

Having a venue manager can not only ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day, but can also be imperative in the planning aspect of things. As they live and breathe the venue, they know what does and doesn’t work and can help turn your vision for your event into a reality. The Artillery Garden offers full, on-site event management before, during and after the event. We also pride ourselves on working with Create Food and Party Design – award winning caterers and their excellent waiting staff.

This year at City Central we are reigniting the 70s with our disco themed party Boogie Wonder Nights! Expect big hair, silk shirts, flairs and lots and lots of gold! You’ll be transported back to the magical era of lava lamps, glitter balls and Studio 54. You’re in for a groovy night!

Raising money for charity can often be quite difficult, but when executed properly it can be a tremendous success. We’ve found that charity event ideas are best if it’s a mix of innovative and different, as well as the traditional silent auction. Contributors like to feel that they’re getting their money’s worth when donating and you also want them to feel that their donation is appreciated. There are always good staples in terms of charity events, such as raffles of prize donations, but if you want to make your fundraiser stand out, it’s important to think outside the box. Here are four charity event ideas that are customisable to your event space and can be great fun for everyone:

Record Breaking Attempt

The Guinness Book of Records is always looking for new records. By browsing through their website, you can choose a category that relates to your fundraiser. Once you have approval, you simply host a ‘pay to participate’ event, which will also generate interest from sponsors too who want to get in on the action.

Competitions within a Fundraiser  

Family and school orientated events go hand-in-hand. Why not arrange for the schools in your district to battle it out in the name of charity? Families can then purchase tickets to either participate or being a spectator with a picnic. You can even call upon local celebrities or prominent members of the community to get involved and judge the event.

Audience Participation

Events in which people pay to participate is an excellent platform that can be integrated into your fundraiser. For instance; cooking shows are increasing in popularity and aspiring chefs and foodies are just itching to get their creativity noticed. You could organise an event where people purchase a stall or stand space to showcase their food, then guests can attend and pay to taste a variety of dishes.

Experience Events

An event where people can do something, or watch something, out of the ordinary is an ideal way to encourage ticket sales. Consider a murder mystery party format, team building golf days, obstacle courses or even something like intensive training sessions with seasoned athletes. The importance here is to ensure that it’s an experience that they won’t find elsewhere, but easy to execute.

On top of a one-of-a-kind idea for fundraising, it’s very important to ensure that your basics are covered. Social media is everywhere, so ensure that you have a catchy title for your event, an effective digital presence before, during and after, as well as a platform where people can donate online as well. Most importantly, having an impressive event space is key to the experience for you as an event coordinator and for your guests. As the saying goes; location, location, location.

Are you planning a charity event? Here are five tips to make sure your charity event impresses your guests

1. Pick the right venue

Make sure the venue you choose has the right capacity for your charity event. For example, a venue holding a standing reception event will be able to accommodate significantly more guests than a seated charity event . City Central includes two different sized spaces, perfect for charity events large and small. If you have any queries over capacity, please do get in touch to find out more about other fundraising events we’ve held.

2. Choose an imaginative theme

The more exciting your charity event theme sounds, the more guests you are likely to attract. If you give them something that they’ve never experienced before, they’ll have no reason to miss it. However, you should make sure your attendees understand what the purpose of the event is and how they can make their own contribution to your cause. Remember why you’re doing the event! Are you looking for new sponsors, new working partnerships or more collaboration with your current customers? It can be easy to get carried away when planning an event, especially one with an exciting theme, but remember to have your objectives in mind at all times.

3. Showcase your brand

Organising a charity event is a great opportunity to demonstrate your brand values. Charity events can enable you to build your profile and show your customers how your business is making a positive contribution to the environment and society. If you are inviting guests that have already supported your charity endeavours, hosting a charity event is also an excellent way to show your appreciation for their loyalty.

4. Decide on your catering

Choose a more informal buffet theme if you’re thinking of a standing reception, or opt for a more formal seated dinner for prestigious fundraising events. Create Food & Party Design, our renowned catering partner, will help you make the best statement. Create has extensive experience in catering for charity events and provides delicious, innovative cuisine.

5. Get your guests talking!

A successful charity event is all about sharing ideas and insights, so it’s important that your guests feel comfortable and are ready to talk! A standing reception gives you more freedom to move around and meet other guests. However, with a dinner reception, you can make sure you are seated next to (or on the same table as) individuals you want to network with.

Are you planning a charity event in London and searching for the perfect fundraising event venue? Don’t hesitate to contact our team, we can help you find the ideal space and plan a charity event to impress.

Have your next corporate away day at City Central at The HAC

Are you planning corporate away days and looking for some inspiration? Company days out and team building days give your staff the opportunity to switch off from their day-to-day work routine, learn new practical skills, how to work with different personality types and have fun.  It’s also an opportunity for professionals to improve their decision-making skills, problem-solving, planning and time management.

Outside space

City Central has over five acres of outside space which is overlooked by the Honourable Artillery Company. This private space is perfect for outdoor activities – we’ve seen inflatables, races and good old fashioned games of rounders. This private lawn is ideal for any outside activity.

Funfair

Another exclusive to City Central is the private funfair for your guests. It’s probably one of the only funfairs within a few minutes walk from Moorgate station, so why not make the most of it!  The funfair will bring out everyone’s inner child as they enjoy the ferris wheel, the dodgems, merry-go-round and numerous side stalls with prizes to win. This could be a team building activity or it could be a time out zone for colleagues to relax.

Inside City Central

The Artillery Garden has huge capacities – up to 2,400 guests can be accommodated for a standing reception. If you’re looking for a smaller corporate away day, the reception area is ideal for up to 500 guests. The venue includes screens, projectors, staging, PA systems and state of the art AV so whatever indoor activities you decide on you will have everything you need.

Other ideas

Taxi Treasure Hunts Challenge

This has already entertained more than 200 companies. This game involves a special hunt where teams must figure out where to go in different locations in London before finishing at a secret lunch or dinner destination. It’s a very good test of strategic planning, problem-solving, time management and delegation, and can be easily customised to your company.

The Music Challenge

Another exciting game, this challenge can be played by up to 1,000 people and is a great way to immerse your team in London’s world-class music scene. Each team will sign an artist before creating an album cover and a music video, shot in the stunning backdrop of London, with a mixture of famous sights and hidden gems. This is another superb team-building exercise that will encourage your team to think creatively and come up with quick solutions.

Or how about the Graffiti Challenge, T-shirt making, Race Car Driving Experience, the Wine-Tasting Challenge, the Dragon Boat Racing?

Do you have another team-building or corporate away day theme in mind? Just let us know and we’ll see what we can do.

The Marketing Society hosted its Excellence Awards at City Central at The HAC. Over 500 of the society’s top marketers were invited to this esteemed awards ceremony to acknowledge the best of the best in the industry.

The awards ceremony made full use of the fantastic potential of City Central at The HAC, utilising both the purpose-built structure and the venue’s outside space. The interior of the venue was transformed into an awards ceremony space aided by state of the art audio-visual equipment.

On arrival the guests enjoyed a Pimm’s and cocktail reception on the private lawn overlooking the Honourable Artillery Company.

Gemma Greaves, Chief Executive at The Marketing Society welcomed all guests before a sumptuous three-course meal by Create Food and Party Design was served.

The stunning menu included a starter of plum tomato and mozzarella saladette with mozzarella cream, balsamic and rapeseed glaze, fresh pesto topped with granola of puffed rice, pine nuts and grated parmesan. The main was rendered duck breast with duck liver bonbon and a hazelnut crumb, creamed savoy cabbage, smoked pineapple gel, kohlrabi and carrot with a brown butter and blackberry vinegar. The meal was finished with a Tonka bean panna cotta verrine, apple jelly, apple crisp, granola crumb, Tonka bean syrup and linseed crisp.

Ronan Dunne, Chair of Judges spoke about the high calibre of entrants this year and the importance of acknowledging these influential marketers. Host Russell Kane was then invited to the stage to start the awards ceremony.

As the ceremony drew to a close, guests moved to the dance floor to enjoy the rest of the evening.

Find out more about purpose-built summer and Christmas party venue City Central at The HAC here, or fill in our quick enquiry form to organise a site visit at this unique City space.

The London Comedy Lunch will be back again for the seventh year in a row at City Central at The HAC with headline act Jason Manford.

Well known for his hilarious appearances on TV shows including 8 out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, QI and Would I Lie to You, Jason has also enjoyed phenomenal success as a top-flight touring comedian (his ‘Off on Tour We Go’ and ‘First World Problems’ tours both sold out) and an actor on both stage and screen. This year we also have Tom Stade and Jarred Christmas!

Inconnection will be hosting some of the best UK comedians at this exclusive corporate hospitality event that raises vital funds for children’s charity The Rainbow Trust.

The event takes place on Thursday 7th December at City Central and has been a runaway success since year one providing a great opportunity for guests to network with peers, entertain key clients or just a great excuse to thank the team who are key to the success of your business.

Last year the London Comedy Lunch was a sell-out, to avoid disappointment book now. To secure your table today please contact Martin or call him on 0161 482 8222 or 07793-680198.