Meetings and conferences at Mareel

Mareel is the UK's most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre.

Sited right on the edge of the North Sea on the historic Hay’s Dock quayside in Lerwick, Mareel offers a unique setting for events, conferences and weddings.

Your event will benefit from the state of the art facilities and professional support that bring an exciting year round programme of film, live music, education and other events to Shetland.

By choosing a Shetland Arts venue for your event you are supporting us in our work to educate, promote, support and develop the practice and enjoyment of the arts by all in Shetland.

We can cater for 2 to 200 people in a variety of rooms, halls and meeting spaces. Benefits of booking with us include:

  • Professional technicians (for presentations, sound, video conferencing)
  • Onsite Café or bespoke catering
  • Strong wifi connections
  • Video conferencing
  • Presentation facilities
  • Reception from 8am – 9pm
  • Many rooms have views to the sea
  • High level of customer service

Boardroom

Refurbished in 2019, the boardroom features a large oak table, natural light, comfortable seats and built-in video conferencing.

Size: Seats 16 people around one table

Facilities: 48 inch TV screen, video conferencing, ground floor

Auditorium

The Auditorium is the main performance space at Mareel, hosting a programme of music, theatre, dance and film events. The hall comes with state of the art sound and lighting equipment and has a beautiful wooden floor, wooden balconies and a high ceiling. The room can be laid out in a number of ways including: theatre style (rows of seats), cabaret style (round tables), raked seating (each row of seats gradually raised), trestle tables, or a combination. We can work with you to create a bespoke set up that suits your event.

You can book this space in conjunction with meeting rooms to enable break out spaces at conferences. Event assistants and tech support are available on request.

Size: Up to 220 people theatre style seating

Facilities: Large capacity, presentation facilities, professional sound and lighting equipment, lectern, ground floor.

More technical details available here.

Upper Cafe Bar

The upper level of our cafe bar is available to book for events or celebrations. Featuring fantastic sea views and comfy seats, the upper cafe bar works well for drinks receptions, buffets and small presentations.

It is also a brilliant place to work or study, with plug points and USB sockets along our high-bar, ensuring you can stay recharged throughout the day.

Size: Receptions up to 60.

Facilities: Sea views, 48 inch TV screen available on request.

Green Room

The Green Room is used as a rehearsal space for bands, musicians and dancers, or by the artists playing in the Auditorium or recording in the Studio. It also works well as a space for meetings and small events.

Size: Up to 30 people theatre style seating

Facilities: Sea views, kitchen facilities available, 48 inch TV screen available on request.

Screen 2

Screen 2 is a carefully designed intimate cinema space, perfect for private parties and screenings, lectures and educational activities.

Size: Up to 37 people, with suitable space alocated to wheelchair users.

Facilities: Cinema screen (4.15m x 2.24m)

Dressing Rooms

Our two Dressing Rooms are equipped with vanity mirrors, two sinks, comfortable sofas and a fully accessible shower room with toilet. Towels are available on request, in addition to an iron and ironing board. Our guests may also access a washer dryer.

The Recording Studio and Media Lab are also available for hire.

Imagine your event at Mareel on Google 365

Venue hire at Bonhoga

Bonhoga is available to hire for weddings and events. The cafe space can sit up to 45 people and the whole building can be hired on occasion. For more information about Bonhoga see our venue page.

By choosing a Shetland Arts venue for your event you are supporting us in our work to educate, promote, support and develop the practice and enjoyment of the arts by all in Shetland.

Get in touch with us at [email protected] for availability and pricing.

I'm interested in hiring a Shetland Arts space