Common questions, direct answers.
Maher Centre is Leicester's largest events venue: a 1,100m² pillarless hall at 15 Ravensbridge Drive, LE4 0BZ, for up to 1,000 seated or 1,500 standing guests. Below are straight answers to the questions we're asked most. If yours isn't here, drop us a linewe reply within one working day.
Booking
How do I book Maher Centre?
Send an enquiry through the form, call 0116 242 5360 or WhatsApp 07922 424871 with your date, event type and rough guest count. We reply within one working day with availability, then invite you for a tour and send a written quote. When you're ready, our events team will secure your date and talk you through everything.
How quickly will I hear back from an enquiry?
Within one working day. Phone, email and WhatsApp are all welcome.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as you can. Popular Saturdays and festival dates book up early, so if you have a date in mind, check availability now. Weekday and off-peak dates often have more flexibility.
Can we book more than one day for a wedding?
Yes. Families often book separate days for events such as a mehndi, sangeet or jago alongside the wedding and reception. Tell us the days you need and we will quote for them together.
What types of events do you host?
Weddings and receptions from many faiths and cultures, mehndi and sangeet nights, conferences, AGMs, awards dinners, exhibitions, charity galas, Christmas parties, Diwali celebrations, milestone birthdays and boxing or sporting dinners.
Who runs Maher Centre?
Maher Centre has been operated since 1996 by Maher Community Association (Leicester) UK, registered charity 1039128. It is rated 4.5 from 569 Google reviews.
Capacity & the hall
How many guests can Maher Centre hold?
1,000 for a seated banquet, 800 for a reception with a dance floor, 1,200 for a boxing or sporting dinner, and 1,500 theatre-style or standing.
How big is the hall, and are there pillars?
The hall offers 1,100 square metres of single-storey space and is pillarless, so no guest is sat behind a pillar.
What is included with the venue?
The pillarless hall for a full 12 hours, an event manager and caretaker on duty, three car park and WC attendants, full venue clean-up, two private en-suite dressing rooms, air conditioning throughout, ambient LED lighting, a full PA system, staging, free guest Wi-Fi, an industrial kitchen for your caterer and the free 350+ space private car park.
Are there dressing rooms?
Yes. There are two private en-suite dressing rooms for getting ready and outfit changes.
Catering & drinks
Does Maher Centre provide catering?
No. Maher Centre does not do in-house catering. We recommend caterers from our partner network, who know the venue inside out, or you can bring your own caterer through our Partner Programme.
Is there any food that cannot be served?
Yes. Beef and pork are not served on the grounds of the Maher Centre. This applies to all caterers. Many halal and vegetarian families find this reassuring.
What kitchen facilities are available to our caterer?
An industrial kitchen with four burners, a free gas supply and refrigeration.
Is there a bar?
A bar is optional. Our corkage and bar hire packages come in three tiers: Essential covers corkage and bar facilities, Classic adds two bar staff, and Signature adds glassware too. We can supply the drinks, or refer you to a specialist bar company.
Can we have an alcohol-free event?
Absolutely. Alcohol-free events are completely normal at Maher Centre and the bar is entirely optional.
Suppliers
Can you recommend decorators and DJs?
Yes. We have a network of catering, décor and DJ partners who know the venue inside out. After meeting you in person, the team recommends partners suited to your day.
Can we bring our own suppliers?
Yes. Third-party caterers, decorators, DJs and other suppliers are welcomed through our Partner Programme. Tell us who they are when you enquire and we will make sure they know how the venue works before the day.
Do you provide tables, chairs and linen?
Yes, through our optional banqueting packages. Essential includes red banquet chairs, round tables, linen, cutlery and crockery, linen napkins and serving ware. Classic adds chair covers, and Signature uses Chiavari chairs. Bespoke packages are available on request.
Timings
How long is a booking?
A full 12 hours, including supplier set-up and pack-down. Set-up and pack-down typically take around two hours each side, leaving up to around eight hours of event time, so nothing ever feels rushed.
Parking & access
Where is Maher Centre?
15 Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester LE4 0BZ, about 5 to 10 minutes from M1 Junction 21, with easy reach from Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry and Northampton.
Is there parking at the venue?
Yes, and it's free. Maher Centre has a privately-owned, floodlit car park with more than 350 spaces, and car park attendants are on duty during your event. Save a fortune on parking fines.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Maher Centre is a single-storey venue with step-free access throughout and accessible (disabled) toilets. If you or any of your guests have specific access needs, call us on 0116 242 5360 and we will plan how the team can help.
Décor, confetti & upgrades
Can we have confetti, fireworks or pyrotechnics?
Yes, subject to written approval. We love a showstopping moment.
What optional upgrades are available?
A crystal chandelier, tiered front steps, an LED dance floor, cold sparklers, LED side screens and a large LED screen around 7 metres wide. Your event manager can help you design your vision.
Can we decorate the hall in our own style?
Yes. The pillarless hall is a blank canvas for your decorator, whether you choose one of our décor partners or bring your own through the Partner Programme.
Quotes & booking
How much does it cost to hire Maher Centre?
Every event is quoted individually, because the date, day of the week, guest numbers, packages and upgrades all affect the total. Send us your details and we will provide a free written quote. Our price-match promise covers all packages and optional extras.
How do we secure our date?
Once you are happy with your written quote, our events team will secure your date and talk you through everything.
What is the price-match promise?
We price-match across all our packages and optional extras. If you have a comparable quote, talk to us.
Tours & viewings
Can I come and view the venue?
Yes. Venue tours are by appointment and take about 30 minutes. Call 0116 242 5360, WhatsApp 07922 424871 or send an enquiry to book.
What should I bring or ask on a tour?
Bring your rough guest count, preferred dates and any suppliers you already have in mind. It helps to ask about layouts, timings within the 12-hour booking, banqueting and bar packages, and the partners we would recommend for your day.
