National Bowl

The National Bowl, located at Watling St, Milton Keynes MK5 8AA, UK, is an iconic open-air entertainment venue with a capacity of 65,000 people. Here is a detailed description of its meeting, conference, and event facilities:

Meeting and Conference Facilities

The National Bowl offers versatile event spaces suitable for various functions. While it primarily hosts large-scale concerts and festivals, it also accommodates smaller meetings and conferences. Here are the key facilities and their capacities:

• General Event Space

• Capacity: Up to 65,000 people
• Description: The venue's natural amphitheater design provides excellent views for audiences, making it an ideal space for large-scale events. The open-air grassland setting can be adapted for various configurations, including DJ and live band stages, dance floors, and bistro-style seating[5].

• Temporary Structures

• Capacity: Varies depending on the structure
• Description: Temporary structures have been built near the venue, such as a temporary three-year planning permission structure in 2010. These structures can be used for smaller events and meetings.

Function Rooms

While The National Bowl does not have dedicated function rooms in the traditional sense, it offers various spaces that can be utilized for meetings and conferences:

• Stadium Club

• Capacity: 100 people
• Description: This space features antique mirrors, a big screen TV, a 1912 Brunswick Regent billiard table, and a Brunswick Belmont mahogany bar. It is suitable for smaller gatherings, meetings, cocktail parties, or small dinners.

• Kingpin Club

• Capacity: 100 people
• Description: This club offers private bowling lanes, a lounge, and bar. It features razzle-dazzle bowling with vibrant colors flashing in sync with high-energy music. This space can be used for smaller events and meetings.

Additional Services

• Transportation: The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with shuttle buses available from Milton Keynes Central railway station. It is also within walking distance (about 2 km) from the station using Sustrans National Cycle Route 51.

• Parking: Parking on site is very limited, so attendees are encouraged to use public transport or nearby parking options.

• Audio-Visual Equipment: The venue can accommodate various audio-visual requirements, including a 440-foot video screen that can project video images and scoring graphics. This video wall is available for video or slide presentations.

• Catering: While specific catering details are not provided, the venue's ability to host large-scale events suggests that catering services are available upon request.

The National Bowl's versatility and natural amphitheater design make it an excellent choice for both large-scale events and smaller meetings, despite its primary focus on entertainment and sports activities.