Whitnash Civic Centre on Acre Close is the town council's building in Whitnash, on the south side of Leamington Spa, and its sports hall is one of the biggest rooms we set up in. The council gives it as 18.1 x 17.2m wall to wall (59 x 56ft) and about 6m (19ft) high, so height is never the problem here. You might also hear it called Whitnash Community Centre, after the old venue that used to be on the site.
What we've put in the hall
In October it was our unicorn theme castle for a 7th birthday. It's the purple medium castle, £100, needing 18.1 x 21.1ft and 10.5ft of height, and we put it in the top left-hand corner as you look in from the double doors. That leaves almost the whole floor free for tables and food.
Before that we've had the Disco Enabled Velcro Castle (£120) here for a party of 5 to 10-year-olds, our Grand Prix track (£70, which needs a 29 x 28ft space) and the A Bit of Everything package (£281: castle, slide, soft play and ball pool together).
It's an event room, much like Heathcote Community Centre in Warwick, so it takes the big kit too. I'd happily put one of our fun runs (about 16 x 36ft of floor) and the large adult castle (£135, needs 21.7 x 21.1ft and 12.6ft high) in together.
Good to know
- We bring everything in through the side doors, because the main way in goes past the library and the café.
- There's a mini kitchen off the hall. The council says to ask about it when you book.
- Parking is good, with a decent-sized car park. There's a field on site and shops a short walk away.
- The council's rate for parties is £55 an hour, and parties must finish by 11pm. We can collect as late as 11pm from indoor venues, so an evening party works.
- Bookings go through the centre itself on 01926 954930.
Everything here is put up by me, Luke, and a castle takes about 30 minutes. A council-run hall will sometimes want to see our insurance, so I can send over our £5m public liability certificate before the day. Each blower plugs into one 13-amp socket. Delivery to Whitnash is free once the order reaches £110. Booking costs £25, with the rest paid a fortnight before the party, and we have over 400 five-star reviews.
Nearby, the SYDNI Centre in Sydenham also takes big inflatables, and St Mary's Church Hall suits a smaller party. If you've got the Civic Centre booked, pick your castle and check your date online.