The Crystal Palace Bowl is within Joseph Paxton’s English Garden area of the park and is the site of the iconic Concert Platform, or “Rusty Laptop”. Following the Trust’s community fundraising campaign, the much-loved Platform is back in action and we are keen to hear from groups, organisations, businesses, charities, and individuals who would like to use these spaces.
Walking in the footsteps of giants...
Established in 1961, the Bowl has played host to some of the biggest names in music including: Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Elton John, The Beach Boys, Vera Lynn, Roxy Music, Gil Scott-Heron, Ian Dury, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera… and many, many more.
Hiring the Bowl
The Concert Platform and Bowl are now available to hire for a range of events. Contact our events team for further information.
If the Bowl isn’t quite what you are looking for then we have a range of other spaces available including the Terraces, the Maze and the Cricket Pitch.
Photo © Crystal Palace Park Trust
Following the Trust’s hugely successful #BackTheBowl community crowdfunding campaign, the generous support of the Mayor of London and funds secured by the Trust’s commercial revenues, a new platform surface was installed in July 2022. Constructed with long-lasting, low-maintenance marine hardwood, it marks the end of the first phase of our project to revive Crystal Palace Bowl and sets the stage for many more wonderful performances and activities over the coming decades. The next phase aims to modernise the backstage area and improve access to the venue.
The platform itself has a range of rooms that can be used for meetings, training sessions, away days, parties and much more. The stage, large enough to accommodate a concert orchestra, has historic views over the bowl and can be hired separately or in conjunction with the Bowl and the rest of the Platform.
The Trust is currently applying for a licence to hold weddings – in the meantime blessings and commitment ceremonies can be held.
With a range of spaces and lower rates for community groups and charities please contact the events team to talk to us about your event and to arrange a site visit.
