FAQs
Please refer to the following information about the Sheldonian Theatre. If your question is not answered, please contact the Events team.
- What type of events can be held at the Sheldonian Theatre?
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The Theatre is suitable for concerts, lectures, talks, awards ceremonies or events of a similar nature. It is not possible to accommodate every kind of event. A member of the Sheldonian Events’ Office would be happy to discuss your requirements.
- When is the Sheldonian Theatre available to hire?
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The Theatre is available to hire throughout the year, but availability varies according to the University’s academic activity.
- What is the booking procedure?
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A provisional booking can be held for 28 days without commitment. To secure the space, a booking form should be completed and returned to the Events Office along with a 10% deposit payment.
- Is there any car parking on site?
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Parking is not available. Metered parking is available on Parks Road, Mansfield Road and Broad Street. The nearest short stay car park is at Gloucester Green. Buses can drive along Parks Road to drop off guests. For more information on accessing the city and car parks go to the Oxford City Council website.
- Can we bring in our own food and drink?
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Hirers and their attendees should not bring in food or drink (other than reasonable quantities of bottled water). Through our in-house caterers we can provide drinks, snacks and cold food. There is no cash bar on site.
- Are there any other restrictions?
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Bicycles (including Brompton bikes), prams and pushchairs are not permitted. No explosive or flammable substances are allowed. Attachments to walls or any part of the building are not permitted. Electrical equipment brought into the building must carry a valid Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) sticker, otherwise the equipment may not be used.
- Can I deliver items in advance or leave them for collection?
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Storage facilities are very limited on site. All items must be removed on the day of the event. To arrange deliveries, please consult with the Events Office.
- Do you operate a box office for concert ticket sales?
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The Sheldonian Theatre does not sell tickets. Tickets can be bought either direct from the concert organiser or via the Oxford Playhouse on T: 01865 305305.
- Are stewards/staff provided by the Sheldonian Theatre?
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Those hiring the Theatre should ensure they arrange their own stewards. For concerts with numbered tickets a minimum of 12 stewards are required. For concerts with unnumbered tickets a minimum of 8 stewards are required. Stewards are responsible for box office sales, handing out programmes, helping guests enter and leave the Theatre safely and any other duties as agreed with the Events office.
- How accessible is the Theatre?
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The Theatre welcomes disabled visitors and will do its best to assist them. Unfortunately some areas of the Theatre (Cupola, Attic Area, Cecil Jackson room and basement area) are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users or those with significant mobility problems. Further information about how to access the Theatre can be found on our accessibility page.
- How can I find out when the Sheldonian is not open to the public?
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The Sheldonian welcomes visitors. As it is a working building for the University of Oxford, visitor opening hours are occasionally affected by ceremonial and other events. On these days, the Sheldonian Theatre may be closed or visitor access limited to the Attic and Cupola area only. Further details about forthcoming closures can be found here