Updated Hire Rates from 1 May 2026
From 1 May 2026, hire rates for Longdown Village Hall are changing. This is the first adjustment to our pricing in 16 years — the previous rates were set back in 2010.
Why now?
Our rates have been held very low for a long time and no longer reflect the steady increases in the cost of running and maintaining the hall. Utilities, insurance, cleaning, and routine repairs have all risen substantially since 2010.
The Trust has avoided putting prices up for as long as possible. After careful review, the Management Committee agreed that a modest increase is now necessary to keep the hall financially sustainable for the community in the years ahead.
The new rates
We’ve also introduced a distinction between personal/non-profit hire and commercial/for-profit hire:
| Space | Personal & non-profit | Commercial / For Profit |
|---|---|---|
| Main Hall | £12.50/hr | £15/hr |
| Meeting Room | £7.50/hr | £10/hr |
| Skittle Alley | £7.50/hr | £10/hr |
The personal/non-profit rate covers private parties, family celebrations, community groups, charity events, and similar uses where no profit is being made.
The commercial/for-profit rate applies to businesses or individuals hiring the hall with the intention of making a profit. As a simple test: if you charge attendees more in total than the cost of hiring the hall, the booking is for-profit and the commercial rate applies.
Why two rates?
As a registered Charitable Trust, our resources exist to provide a community facility for local residents. We’re not permitted to subsidise commercial hire through below-cost rates — to do so would conflict with our charitable purpose.
The two-tier structure ensures commercial users contribute fairly to the running costs of the hall while keeping community hire as affordable as possible.
Still excellent value
Even after this change, our rates remain competitive with — and in many cases below — other village halls in the area. The hall continues to offer a sprung wooden floor, fully licensed bar, Kitchen, stage, and extensive parking, all in one venue.
Existing bookings
Bookings already confirmed for events taking place on or before 30 June 2026 will be honoured at the original rates. From 1 July 2026 onwards, all bookings move to the new pricing.
Booking
You can check availability and submit an enquiry at any time via our booking page. The new rates are in effect from 1 May 2026.
If you have any questions about the rates or your booking, please get in touch.