The Charm of a Barn For your Function

Barns in the UK are just beautiful places, many of which have been converted into fully functioning, purpose built function venues. We have done many events in Barns all round London, Essex, Kent, Oxfordshire you name it! We love barns and just wanted to share some insight and ideas for these fabulous sites for inspiration on your event planning journeys..

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Let me set the scene, you are a guest at an event, trying to follow some obscure directions to a car park in what appears to be the middle of nowhere.. You make a Sharp turn onto the only feasible road where your GPS is leading you. The gravel cracking beneath your car’s tyres.. Suddenly your temporary navigating anguish is replaced with a real sense of awe and calm, ‘this place is actually quite lovely..’ you think to yourself.

Walking up the path, you are offered a glass of something that just looks and tastes GREAT! (who cares what’s it called!)- That’s it, you have definitely arrived, oh yeah and your friends are calling you over to join them for a chat .. The views, the fresh air, the farm smell - you won’t be forgetting this experience!

in the picture: Micklefield Hall

Barns are great places to enjoy in the summer, spring, and early autumn when your guests can enjoy the outdoors and the views a bit more. The halls often don’t require too much dressing up because the rooms themselves just have so much style and atmosphere intrinsic to their structures. Other than some flowers, a basic lighting package and some fairy lights to bring that lovely homey feel, you probably won’t need much. They can be relatively cheap locations to hire as well as to decorate.

Ok, so barns are great when it’s warm, but when it is cold are they really an option? Christmas events are also so (sooo..) suitable for barns, the wood, the smoky smells, the heart-warming lights in the dark, they are all just screaming Christmas. Autumn weddings are so special in these locations too. The colourful leaves, and the weather is still mild enough to enjoy a bit of outdoors as well.

When you come to think of it, barns can be very versatile sites. Of course you should always think realistically about these things, and consider logistics and aesthetics as much as possible. And as long as you have taken everything into account, you are bound to have an incredible event in some of the UK’s most iconic and charming venues.

For example the summer can be too hot at times to spend too long in the sun, so it is important to consider your schedule and where your guests will be at every stage of your event. Many venues will have shaded areas that could be used for ceremonies, speeches or canapé receptions. In the winter you might consider hiring a marquee for a plan B or as part of your reception.

In terms of aesthetics, consider the look of the site as well. Mid summer might be the time the grass turns Brown, hard to plan for this but definitely worth considering. You should always think of these things so you don’t arrive on the day to a look you never expected. All it requires is a bit of thought and planning to ensure you get the best for your specific wants for your function.

Barns can be a great setting for corporate functions where the event planner is looking to break the mould and give the guests an event to remember. Having such a relaxing atmosphere makes a natural ice breaker which would make people more comfortable and possibly more willing to partake in dancing and games.

Think of layout, barns often have relatively narrow rooms which put some limitations on guest numbers and on the layout of the room. As a function band we are always very conscious of where the stage is placed. We would always recommend having the stage in the centre, something which isn’t always possible in old farm houses. Seeing as the music is often the main entertainment at an event, we would ensure there is enough focus on the stage facilitated partly through adequate stage lighting and sufficient dancing space in front of the stage.

Please feel free to contact us if you are planning a wedding or looking to book a barn for your corporate function.

For our Top 4 Country Venues check out our Instagram Reel Here