Hire the Palace

The Electric Palace cinema is situated in the historic port of Harwich and can be booked for private functions such as weddings, birthday parties, society meetings, business seminars and as a film location.

The auditorium has fixed seating for 200 people and our projection facilities enable film, video and DVD presentation, and the screen is ideal for PowerPoint or slide displays.

Wheelchair users can access the cinema from the street pavement by a gentle ramp.

The cinema is available for private hire at any time from Monday to Thursday, but please note that two Thursday evenings in the month are not available.

On Friday it is available until 7pm, on Saturday and Sunday it is available until 2pm.

If you wish to book the cinema when we would normally be screening a film there would be an extra charge to compensate us for loss of income.

Photo credit: Dawid Czaja

Hire costs

The cost of hiring the cinema depends on the event, for example:

  • a children’s birthday party can be hired for a minimal price if it is held following a Saturday or Sunday matinee.
  • for fund raising and charity events we offer a reduced price.
  • a commercial event would be open to negotiation.
  • the cost of a private screening of a film will cost between £200 and £275 if it is available from a film distributor.

Please contact us to discuss the hire costs. Additional charges will be made for heating and staffing costs. To book we need a 20% deposit. This is refundable providing you give us one month’s notice.

Refreshments

There are no kitchen facilities at the cinema although there are hand basins and hot and cold water taps.

We do hold an alcohol licence. You may make arrangements for your own catering.
We can supply alcoholic drinks at our normal prices or, if you provide your own drinks we will charge corkage at £4 – £6 per bottle..

Restrictions

As the cinema is in a residential street we do not book events which may cause a great disturbance in the street or cause excessive noise levels particularly after 11pm. For safety reasons we do not allow fireworks or live flames inside the building.

Photo courtesy of the happy couple, Lenny and Maxine.

Weddings

A unique atmosphere awaits you in this 1911 picture house which has Grade II* listing. It is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas to survive complete with its silent screen, original projection room and ornamental frontage still intact.

Other interesting features include an open plan entrance lobby complete with pay box.
In a cherished cinema, you and your guests can enjoy the ultimate in happy beginnings; from a simple service to a more adventurous ceremony incorporating film and music.

To our knowledge we are one of only three cinemas in the country with a wedding licence so it really is an affair to remember.

Hire costs

Please contact us to discuss the hire costs. The cost includes the following:

Venue hire, staff costs, projection costs, cleaning, 1 rehearsal plus arrangement meetings.

Optional extras include additional rehearsals, film hire. You may organize your own flowers and decoration.

Special touches

Customized cinema tickets for guests.

You will need to get in touch with Colchester Register Office separately to book their services. Our fee does not cover this. To book, we need a 20% deposit. This is refundable providing you give us one month’s notice.

Testimonial

To be able to marry my husband at The Electric Palace, really did mean everything to me. Growing up in Harwich, the Electric Palace was a huge part of my childhood and teenage life. I spent many hours here with my best friends and cousins, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. The setting itself is absolutely stunning, and is a perfect venue for a celebration of love. I literally felt like a film star as I walked down the aisle to stand at the front with my husband, while all our loved ones looked on.

Being able to have the photos and footage shown of our official wedding on the cinema screen was also a huge bonus. The pictures looked amazing

All in all, I could not recommend The Electric Palace enough as a venue. The staff were exceptional in making the whole thing run smoothly. Chanelle, Michael and Hayley, I can’t thank you enough. You are all so very lovely,and made me feel at ease when I was a nervous wreck inside! I truly wish I could do the whole thing again, as it was such a beautiful day.

Lenny & Maxine