The Oval is a large-capacity, sunken open-air amphitheatre, carved into the chalk clifftop and sheltered by its distinctive landscape. Four sweeping terraces descend towards the historic bandstand at the heart of the venue, creating an intimate setting despite its generous size. The venue is divided into two main areas, each offering a different part of the visitor experience. The East Side is home to our main performance and audience seating area for events, while the West Side is home to the Food Court, where you’ll find our food concessions, Events Bar, Pavilion, visitor toilets and additional outdoor seating on the terrace.
Our seating arrangements vary depending on the type of event taking place (see Event Seating Layouts below). Across the venue we use a mixture of traditional canvas deckchairs, fold-up event chairs, picnic tables with parasols and tables with chairs and/or benches.
The Oval is an outdoor venue and none of the audience seating is covered for protection from the rain, so please come prepared for the weather.
All amphitheatre tiers are step-free and wheelchair accessible.
East Side – The Bandstand Terraces
The east side of The Oval is formed by four main audience areas: the Upper Terrace, Middle Terrace, Lower Terrace and Bandstand Circle.
- Upper Terrace – At the top of the Amphitheatre, the Upper Terrace is typically furnished with picnic tables and parasols. It provides a relaxed place for families and groups to sit together, with tables for food and drinks and elevated views towards the bandstand.
- Middle & Lower Terraces – Moving down through the Amphitheatre, the Middle and Lower Terraces provide most of our general audience seating. For most listed events both terraces are furnished with a mixture of traditional canvas deckchairs and fold-up event chairs, following the curve of the Amphitheatre and providing excellent views of the bandstand performance area.
- Bandstand Circle – At the bottom of the terraces and closest to the bandstand is the Bandstand Circle. Fourteen tables provide seating around the central dance floor, putting you right at the heart of the action.
West Side – The Oval Food Court
On the West Side of The Oval, the Food Court provides a more informal seating area away from the main East Side terraces and is home to our kiosk, food concessions, and events bar, as well as the Pavilion and visitor toilets.
At the centre of the Food Court is the timber decked Pavilion terrace, a raised outdoor seating area furnished with large 6-8 person picnic tables and parasols. It provides plenty of space for families and groups to sit together while enjoying food and drinks from our concessions, or simply to relax during a visit to The Oval.
The Pavilion terrace overlooks the bandstand, but is separate from the main audience seating areas on the East Side. While visitors may be able to see and hear some events from the Pavilion terrace, we recommend using the East Side terraces for the best viewing experience during a performance.
Accessible Seating
All levels of the amphitheatre can be accessed without steps.
Wheelchair users are not restricted to a single designated viewing platform and can be accommodated at a number of locations around the amphitheatre depending on the particular event layout.
If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance or on the day and we will be happy to help identify the most suitable seating location.
Bringing Your Own Chair
For most of our informal events, including Summer Sundays, visitors are welcome to bring their own folding chair if they wish.
For events with allocated or more formal theatre-style seating, please check the individual event information before bringing your own chair.
Cushions are always welcome and can make our fold-up event chairs even more comfortable!
Event Seating Layouts
Summer Sundays & Live Music
For our Summer Sundays concerts and other live music events, The Oval Terraces have a relaxed and informal seating layout designed to make the most of the music and atmosphere.
The Upper Terrace is furnished with picnic tables and parasols (weather permitting), providing a more relaxed space for groups and families to sit together and enjoy the performance.
The Lower and Middle Terraces are set out with a mixture of traditional deckchairs and fold-up event chairs, giving visitors the freedom to choose where they would like to sit.
Closest to the stage, the Bandstand Circle has fourteen fixed tables with seating arranged around the dance floor. This is a great place to sit if you want to be close to the performers, with somewhere to put your drinks between trips to the dance floor.
The central area immediately in front of the bandstand is kept clear for dancing throughout the afternoon.
Outdoor Theatre
For our outdoor theatre performances, fold-up event chairs are typically arranged across the Lower and Middle Terraces, with additional seating sometimes provided in the Bandstand Circle.
The precise seating layout, particularly in the Bandstand Circle, varies from production to production and is determined by the requirements of the visiting theatre company. Some productions may incorporate additional staging, scenery or use different parts of the performance area, so the final seating arrangement often cannot be confirmed until the company arrives and sets up on the day of the performance.
Outdoor Cinema
For our outdoor cinema screenings, traditional canvas deckchairs are arranged across the Lower and Middle Terraces in the north-east section of the Amphitheatre, providing comfortable seating with a good view of the screen.
Fold-up event chairs are also available for anyone who would prefer a more upright seat. These can be requested from a member of staff when you arrive, or arranged in advance by contacting us via email.
As an outdoor cinema, evenings can become chilly even after a warm day, so we recommend bringing your own cushions and blankets to make yourself comfortable and cosy during the film.
Wrestling & Family Shows
For wrestling and other arena-style events, fold-up event chairs are arranged around the central performance area, with additional seating on the surrounding amphitheatre terraces.
The exact layout varies according to the requirements of the event.
Festivals & Larger Events
Our larger festivals and community events generally use a mixture of deckchairs, fold-up event chairs, Bandstand Circle tables and picnic tables.
These events have a more informal layout, allowing visitors to move around the amphitheatre and enjoy different parts of the event.
