Empress Building & Ballroom Shortlisted for Prestigious 2024 Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards
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00:00Welcome to the Empress Ballroom in Mexborough.
00:07Over the past few years, this grand building has received over £100,000 of investment,
00:12breathing even more new life into its grandeur.
00:15From intricate coving repairs to the restored walls,
00:18every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to preserve the building's historical essence,
00:22whilst introducing contemporary touches.
00:25At the heart of this rejuvenation lies the high, arched ceiling,
00:28a captivating feature that not only adds visual splendour,
00:31but also enhances the acoustics, creating a brilliant experience.
00:36Whether it's hosting a concert, a corporate event or a lavish wedding celebration,
00:40the Empress Ballroom promises a phenomenal experience that blends elegance and functionality.
00:45Despite its lavish history going back 100 years,
00:48the Empress Ballroom has embraced times with a sleek, user-friendly website.
00:52Its virtual gateway traces the rich history of the venue
00:55and offers a convenient platform for event planning and ticketing.
00:58When gig ticket fees and obscene pricing are a trending topic right now,
01:02you can say goodbye to the frustration of annoying booking fees,
01:05as the Empress Ballroom has introduced a ticketing system that prioritises customer convenience
01:10and keeps more money in your pocket.
01:12With just a few clicks, you can secure your seats and start to get excited
01:16for seeing some amazing live performances from world-leading tributes
01:19and appearances from legendary names.
01:22Complementing the grandeur of the Empress Ballroom is a 5-star hygiene-rated kitchen,
01:27delivering the venue's signature pies and classic pizzas.
01:30The venue boasts a fully-stocked bar featuring a wide array of tipples
01:34and its very own brand of beer,
01:36and at an unbeatable price of £2.99 a pint, you can raise a glass to a cheap night out.
01:41One of the big changes to the venue since we were here a couple of years ago
01:45has been the massive upgrade to the sound and lighting systems.
01:48With a £20,000 investment in a state-of-the-art PA sound system,
01:52every note, every lyric and every spoken word resonates with crystal clarity.
01:57Complementing the sound quality is the lighting system,
02:00featuring a truss bar fitted with the latest digital lighting technology.
02:04You can see the level of investment in everything here,
02:06the team at the Empress are delivering in a big way.
02:09Speaking of investment, another £30,000 has been invested into brand new, box-fresh furniture.
02:15This is a huge upgrade on what was here before,
02:17and offers vital versatility in what the Empress can offer.
02:20Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a grand-scale event,
02:23the venue's adaptable layout ensures a comfortable experience for all attendees.
02:28The venue comfortably seats over 200 guests,
02:31but for more thumping gigs and concerts, the tables can be removed,
02:34transforming the space into a standing-room-only 600-cap venue.
02:38I don't even know the nearest venue to here that can offer that capacity level.
02:43Now, I love attending gigs, and I usually have to go to Leeds or Sheffield to see the bands that I love.
02:48Personally, I would love to see the Empress building appear on some big established acts tours.
02:53I'm looking your way, Oasis.
02:56For intimate evenings, such as the one we've already seen here,
02:58with the renowned performers like Clinton Baptiste, Jim Davidson and Brian Blessed,
03:03the venue can be transformed into a theatre-style seating arrangement,
03:06comfortably accommodating up to 300 guests.
03:09The Empress Ballroom also boasts an impressive 4-metre big screen
03:12that has seen Christmas family movie events and packed-out nights
03:15watching England's footballers win, lose or draw.
03:18During concerts and live performances,
03:20it also serves as a dynamic canvas enhancing the overall experience.
03:25One of the timeless classics that has been at the Empress since it was built
03:28is a remarkable vintage-sprung dance floor.
03:31This remarkable feature, meticulously polished and maintained in pristine condition,
03:35is a true testament to the venue's commitment to preserving its rich history
03:39whilst embracing the present.
03:41I've been to some of the Northern Soul Nights that they've had here since it was reopened,
03:44and let me tell you, they love this dance floor.
03:47Get yourself down, and you're going to love it too.
03:50At the Empress Ballroom, inclusivity is a core value,
03:53and this is reflected in the venue's commitment to ensuring accessibility for all guests.
03:58With a dedicated disabled toilet and baby-changing facilities,
04:02the venue caters to the needs of individuals with varying requirements,
04:05ensuring that every attendee feels welcome and accommodated.
04:09For those requiring additional assistance,
04:11the Empress Ballroom offers a dedicated restaurant entrance,
04:14complete with a meet-and-greet service.
04:16Simply inform the staff of your arrival time,
04:18and they'll be on hand to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience,
04:22ensuring that your event is enjoyed to the fullest.
04:25One big ask these days with any business is how it's committed to reducing its carbon footprint
04:30and embracing ecological friendliness.
04:32The Empress Ballroom has taken a proactive stance by investing £20,000 in solar energy technology.
04:38This innovative approach not only powers the Ballroom,
04:41but also significantly reduces its carbon footprint,
04:44contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
04:48Whether you're a promoter seeking to bring your show to the Empress Ballroom,
04:52or an event organiser looking to create a truly bespoke experience,
04:55the venue offers a range of flexible hire options to suit your needs.
04:59If you want complete control over the event, the option to hire the venue outright is available.
05:04With this choice, you have the freedom to customise the table configuration according to your preferences.
05:09The Empress Ballroom's dedicated team can assist with the set-up if required,
05:13bringing your vision to reality.
05:15For bands and acts seeking to showcase their talents at the Empress Ballroom,
05:19the team would love to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.
05:22There's the popular door split option,
05:24where the artist receives a generous 70-30 or 80-20 split at the ticket sales
05:28when using the Empress' ticketing system, or the artist's ticketing system respectively.
05:33Alternatively, choose the 50-50 door split for DJ events,
05:37ensuring a fair distribution of proceeds.
05:40For those seeking a more straightforward approach,
05:42the Empress Ballroom offers a fixed fee option,
05:44providing clarity and peace of mind throughout the event planning process.
05:48As the Empress Ballroom continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its guests,
05:52an exciting new chapter is on the horizon.
05:55In 2025, the venue will unveil a collection of 12 luxurious apartments,
05:59each named and dedicated to local celebrities and sporting heroes.
06:03This will add yet another benefit to this amazing venue,
06:06when performers and attendees can avoid a long taxi ride or a drive home
06:10by simply retiring upstairs to a luxurious apartment for the night.
06:14Whether you're looking to host a lavish wedding,
06:16a high-energy concert or a corporate event that leaves a lasting impression,
06:20the Empress Ballroom is ready to transform your vision into reality.
06:23It boasts timeless elegance combined with state-of-the-art amenities.
06:27So what are you waiting for?
06:29Book your next event now, polish off your dancing shoes
06:32and join us at the jewel of Mexborough's social crown.