What the Church is Used for

To book St. Mary's for a baptism, wedding, or special family act of worship or for use by a local Christian organisation please contact either Father Keith Owen or the Parish Administrator, Mrs. Sue Dann on 01736 363079. The Parish Office is Staffed all day on Wednesdays.

How can I book the Church for an event?

St. Mary's is also a venue of international acclaimed quality for the performance of music and many concerts take place in the church each year.  Below are a scale of charges for concert bookings.  To view a list of current concert bookings click here

OPTION A

Hire fee for Church            £200

Heat Light and Power        £10 per hour to cover rehearsal times and preparation for performances

Hire of piano or organ        £25 per instrument

This option is intended for large-scale concerts where an entrance fee will be charged for the performance.  All proceeds will be the property of the organisers to offset their costs and provide either profit or monies for donation to a nominated charity.

OPTION B

Hire fee for Church            nil

Heat Light and Power        £10 per hour to cover rehearsal times and preparation for performances

Hire of piano or organ        £25 per instrument

This option is intended for smaller scale concerts where attendance may be more variable.  The proceeds from ticket sales or a retiring collection are shared equally between the Parochial Church Council of St. Mary's Church and the performers and/or their nominated charity.

OPTION C

In certain circumstances where a performance requires considerable outlay on the art of the performers, but audience numbers may be small, the Parochial Church Council may be prepared to consider a 50/50 split of the proceeds of a retiring collection only.  This option is intended primarily to allow opportunity for single artists or small groups to perform in Penzance for the first time.

NB there has been a 5% rise in the Performing Rights Society's charges to the church for the public performance of copyright material. In certain instances it may not be possible to offer Option C if the PRS fees are likely to exceed the expected income.

Please note.  Unlike some other venues, St. Mary's receives no public funding and is entirely dependent on voluntary gifts for its existence.  The Sunday congregation must raise over £1,110 per week to maintain Christian ministry from the church, which is of course it primary purpose.  If the cost of maintaining it as a public venue for other purposes were to cause a shortfall in this payments, its future as a place of worship could not be assured.

To view a list of current Bookings click here.