Hosting Large-Scale Events at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre

Hosting large-scale events can often feel like a daunting task. At the Great Yorkshire Events Centre we have a wealth of experience working with event planners ensuring successful planning and delivery of your event, regardless of size.

A premier event destination

Did you know the Great Yorkshire Events Centre is home to the renowned Great Yorkshire Show? Hosted by our charity, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, this prestigious four-day event attracts 140,000 visitors annually, celebrating the best in farming, food, and the countryside.

When planning a large-scale event, several key factors must be considered:

Choose the best location

Selecting the right location is critical for both event organisers and attendees. Considerations include transport links, access to loading bays, and visitor convenience. The Great Yorkshire Events Centre offers:

• Dedicated off-road loading bays at The Halls
• Display vehicle access in the Wharfe and Aire Rooms at the Pavilions of Harrogate
• Thousands of free parking spaces
• Designated disabled parking
• EV charging stations
• 7 miles from A1(M)
• 2 miles from Harrogate train station
• 14 miles from Leeds Bradford Airport

What is the venue capacity?

Large-scale events require venues that can accommodate high attendee numbers while maintaining a seamless experience. The Great Yorkshire Events Centre boasts several unique events spaces: The Halls, the Pavilions of Harrogate and The Grounds with each venue playing host to different types of large-scale events.

The Halls is a popular choice for events of over 450 attendees including exhibitions, trade fairs and gala dinners. Our Halls welcomed 1,750 guests to the ASDA Tickled Pink Gala Ball for a themed drinks reception featuring full carpet, drapes, water fountain, flower wall, champagne bar, a three-course dinner, performances from aerial acrobats and live music.

SharkNinja required a multi-purpose events space capable of hosting meetings, conferences, product demonstrations, networking and team-building activities. The Halls proved to be an ideal fit, offering a seamless setup across a variety of spaces.

The Pavilions of Harrogate is host to many conferences including the JCT600 annual conference which brought together 264 delegates from across the JCT600 network for a full day of networking, awards and recognition. Meanwhile, Northern Gas Networks hosted a two-day event for their contracted service providers at the Pavilions of Harrogate, bringing together over 800 operational staff to participate in supplier-led presentations and live demonstrations.

The Grounds boasts acres of bookable outdoor space, ideal for large-scale activations, outdoor exhibitions, and immersive branding experiences.

Large-scale catering

Catering is a fundamental element of any successful event; whether that’s a buffet, a formal dinner or something a little different.

At the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, we understand that exceptional catering is at the heart of any memorable event. Our award-winning expert caterers will provide you with a first-class food offering suitable for a conference of 450 delegates at the Pavilions of Harrogate or an extravagant awards dinner for 2,500 in The Halls. From bespoke banquets to elegant canapés, we work with you to design a menu that reflects your vision to make your event truly special.

Branding opportunities

Your brand identity should be seamlessly woven into your event. At the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, our flexible spaces allow for tailored branding opportunities, including:

• Banners
• Signage
• Flooring
• Window decals
• Flags
• Merchandise

The Halls span a total of 6,270m² of premium event space while The Pavilions boasts 2300m² of multi-purpose, pillar-free rooms. An additional unique feature is The Grounds – 110 acres of bookable space which can been used as an enhanced branding opportunity.

Accessibility and inclusivity

Finding a venue that is accessible for event bookers and visitors can pose a challenge. At the Great Yorkshire Events Centre we pride ourselves on our accessibility features including:

• Disabled parking and toilets, including a Changing Places facility
• Level access in The Halls
• Ramps and lifts in the Pavilions of Harrogate
• Handrails and accessible lighting throughout
• Ground-floor cafés for easy access

Sustainable events

A final consideration when booking a large-scale event is sustainability. As more and more businesses are considering the impact their working practices have on the environment, booking an events venue that meets their environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives has become a high priority.

Sustainability is a commitment that drives every aspect of our work. At The Great Yorkshire Events Centre we are reducing our environmental impact whilst working towards a long term ESG strategy with our charity, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Alongside our BREEAM rating, solar power and zero waste sent to landfill, we understand that organisations require further details on sustainable events. All event organisers can access an energy usage report informing you of your events energy consumption.

Host your next large-scale event with us

Hosting a large-scale event requires meticulous attention to detail, and choosing the right venue is essential. At the Great Yorkshire Events Centre, we offer versatile spaces and expert support to bring your vision to life.

All profits from events booked at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre fund the charitable work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. Book your next event at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre by contacting our Sales and Events team on 01423 544544 or enquiries@eventscentre.co.uk.