EVENT FAQ

Currently entry requirements are on an event by event bases.

For events that do not require customers to show their Covid status we encourage you take a lateral flow test within 24 hours of the event.

For events that require customers to show their Covid status, admission will be granted in one of the three following ways: 

1. Proof of negative lateral flow test. Test must be taken within 24 hours prior to attending the event.
2. Proof of full vaccination. Second dose to be received 14 days prior to the event.
3. Proof of immunity due to positive PCR test within last 180 days. 10 day isolation must be completed.

A Covid pass can be obtained via the NHS App to confirm any of the above.

We will also accept an NHS text or email confirmation of a negative lateral flow test.

Do not bring home test strips or vaccine cards to the venue – neither of these are accepted as proof of Covid status.

Please check the Whats On page to see event specific entry requirements.

Whilst social distancing is no longer mandatory we encourage all our guests to be mindful of the risk of closer contact and show due consideration of those who are extremely clinically vulnerable, unvaccinated or who would just like a bit of space.

Please respect the choice of those who decide to wear a face mask for safety reasons.

A thorough cleaning regime will be employed before and after every performance in compliance with the UK government guidance. Due to our distancing measures toilet capacity will be reduced so please be mindful when queuing to use the facilities.

If a performance is cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions it will be rescheduled and your tickets will be transferred over. In the event the performance cannot be rescheduled you will be given a full refund minus the ticket booking fee

Parking is limited in and around Hackney Church. Please visit http://www.hackney.gov.uk/visitor-parking for more information about parking locally.

Bus: Clapton Square bus stop served by the 38, 48, 55, 106, 242, 253, 254, N38, N55 and N253 is outside the church grounds on Lower Clapton Road.

Overground: Hackney Downs and Hackney Central Overground stations are in close proximity to Hackney Church.

Bike parking is available on the Narrow Way a short walk from Hackney Church and in front of Sainsbury’s Local on Lower Clapton Road.

Hackney Church is committed to complying with the any and all obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Hackney Church reserves the right to refuse entry in order to protect our guests, staff, reputation and building.

The following items are prohibited:

• Illegal substances; legal highs or any other psychoactive substances
• Food
• Any form of liquid (including drinks and perfume)
• Chewing gum
• Torches
• Point and shoot cameras
• Selfie-sticks
• Bottles
• Weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks; any other article which may be used as a weapon or missile
• Horns, whistles, drums
• Anything which may, in our reasonable opinion, cause danger or disruption to
  visitors at the venue (regardless of whether or not such item is illegal or is carried for a specific purpose)
• Bags bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm.

As a significant heritage and community asset in the heart of Hackney we are committed to the protection of our building, staff and guests. To this end, all bags will be searched on the door before any event. Our security may carry out further searches and confiscate any items deemed to be dangerous at our discretion.

Hackney Church operates a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs. Anyone found in possession of illegal substances with the intent to consume or supply will be expelled from the venue and reported to the authorities. Illegal drug use and/or distribution within the premises may result in permanent exclusion from future Hackney Church events.

Hackney Church asks guests to please contact a member of staff if they see someone who looks like they need medical attention. Medical staff are on hand to provide assistance to those who may have taken illicit substances free of judgement.

There is no re-entry to events at Hackney Church with the exception of the smoking area. All exits are final.

You may not bring any food or drink into Hackney Church.

We welcome anyone with accessibility requirements and will endeavour to accommodate any needs you may have. We offer a limited number of accessible seats on a first come first served basis. Please contact events@saint.church prior to your visit so we can make sure the necessary arrangements are made. 

Age restrictions for events at Hackney Church are dependent on the nature of the event. Please note that for non-18+ shows under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult and purchase a balcony level seat.

If you happen to look under 25 and wish to purchase alcohol you will be asked to provide ID. You may also be asked to provide ID for age restricted events.

Yes located at the back of the church as you walk in.

Please email hello@saint.church with a detailed description of the item. If found, Hackney Church will coordinate a time for the collection of your item. Lost items are retained for a total of 14 days. If lost items are not collected during this time period they will be donated to our Lighthouse Project providing care and support for vulnerable people in East London.

As part of Hackney Church’s restoration project two bespoke bars have been installed at the rear of the Nave on the ground floor. There is also a temporary bar on the first floor balcony. Please note our bars will shut 15 minutes before the event finishes.

Hackney Church is a cashless venue and as such will not accept cash payments.

Our photo and video policy depends on the nature of the event. Generally you can bring non-professional cameras to most shows. We would discourage you from bringing iPads and selfie-sticks. If you have a specific query relating to photography in Hackney Church please email events@saint.church.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in Hackney Church. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes or other similar devices inside the venue. There will be a designated smoking area provided at each event. If individuals are found to be smoking anywhere other than in the designated smoking area they will be immediately expelled and may face prosecution.

Events at Hackney Church may feature some level of special effects such as smoke machines and strobe lighting. If that causes a concern please see a member of staff.

Most events at Hackney Church will begin at 7pm and finish by 11pm. Please keep an eye on our website for door times.

No. Due to our premise licence stipulations all ticket-holders must vacate the premises as soon as the event has finished.

Seating is reserved for balcony ticket holders only in unreserved pews.

Tickets are available to purchase from Hackney Church via our ticketing agent. Please go to  saint.church/whats-on for more information.

Hackney Church does not run a day-time box office and we cannot sell tickets over the phone. If you would like to purchase a ticket to a Hackney Church event please head to our website saint.church/whats-on.

In some cases a limited number of tickets for sold out shows are released close to the date of the show. Please keep an eye on the SAINT social media channels and website for updates.

Hackney Church cannot issue returns or refunds. Please contact the ticketing agent you purchased your ticket from.

Anti-touting measures may be in place for some events at Hackney Church. In these instances the named ticket holder must be present with photo ID. Accepted ID includes passport, driving licence, Citizencard and Photocard.

If you are booking tickets on behalf of someone else please ensure the tickets are in their name not the card holder’s name.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid ID in case it is requested.

Hackney Church charges a restoration levy of £1.50 per ticket for the continued upkeep and preservation of our Grade II* listed building so we can continue to accommodate events.

Hackney Church is part of a group of churches called SAINT. If you would like to learn more about SAINT and what we do please email hello@saint.church. You can also read about us here.

Yes, SAINT currently holds services online and across our five locations in Homerton, Leyton, West Ham, Shoreditch and Hackney. For more information about our services, click here.