The Mary Rose in running to be crowned region’s best venue

The events team at the Mary Rose are celebrating after the venue was announced as a finalist in the prestigious Beautiful South Awards, and could be crowned the region's best venue. 

The Mary Rose is in the running to be crowned the top venue in the South East after making it into the final of the Venue and Business Tourism category. The award, run by Tourism South East, highlights outstanding destinations in the region for conferences, business functions, banqueting, and weddings.

The venue, at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, is one of four finalists in the category.

The events team will be heading to the glittering awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel Brighton on November 29 to learn whether they have won gold, silver or bronze.

Becky Ashton, Events Manager at the Mary Rose Museum, said: “The team are all very excited to be in the final of these highly-regarded awards.

“It’s great to be recognised for the work that we do to bring truly memorable events to people as they come close to Henry VIII’s flagship and are surrounded by her collection.

“Since the venue’s new-look experience opening last year we have had so many compliments about our three events spaces and we look forward to holding many more successful events.”

The Mary Rose was one of the first heritage venues in the region to complete World Host training – which is recognised internationally as a leading platform for superb customer service.

The venue has three unique spaces for events. The atmospheric Admiral’s Gallery seats up to 100 guests where they are surrounded by a number of Tudor artefacts. The Upper Deck is located within the ship hall itself and up to 40 guests can breathe the same air as the ship and enjoy uninterrupted views of the restored timbers of Henry VIII’s flagship. The Wardroom is perfect for smaller events, including business meetings, and offers inspiring views of historic waterfront.

For more information on the Mary Rose’s events offering visit www.maryrose.org/venue-hire, email events@maryrose.org or call (023) 9281 2931.