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About

Created to be a testbed for new culture in all its forms, The Beams is a new, expansive venue and event space for London.

The incredible 55,000 Sq Ft raw and industrial destination offers a range of versatile interior and outdoor spaces.

The venue evokes an industrial heritage and is defined by a range of beautiful architectural features and large private, clean and functional spaces that provide for a variety of creative expression.

In the heart of East London, in the Royal Docks, and on the River Thames the venue is easily accessible by the DLR is only a short walk from London City airport and can be hired exclusively.

Getting here

Address

The Beams, Factory Rd, London E16 2HB

By London Overground & Underground Trains

London City Airport

By Bus

330, 473 & 474 all stop near the venue.

Get in touch

General Enquiries
Hire Enquiries
Press Enquiries
Brand Partnerships

FAQs

VISITING THIN AIR

Thin Air is an immersive exhibition of large scale installations that explore the boundaries of light, sound and space. Seven international artists and collectives have transformed the spaces of The Beams with a range of large scale installations in warehouse settings.

PARKING

There is no parking available at the Beams.

AM I ALLOWED TO FILM IN THE SPACE?

While photography and filming is encouraged in the space, no tripods or professional filming equipment is allowed without prior permission.

HOW DO I GET TO THE BEAMS?

The easiest way to access The Beams is via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). We are a close distance from London City Airport. 

Please visit our Info page.

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT MY VISIT TO LAST TO THIN AIR?

Everyone will move through the space at different rates – in general you can expect your visit to last between 60 and 90 minutes once you’re inside the exhibition space. 

WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING HOURS?

Thin Air is open:

Thursday 12pm – 9pm (last entry 8pm)
Friday 12pm – 10pm (last entry 9pm)
Saturday and bank holiday Sundays 11am – 10pm (last entry 9pm)
Sunday and bank holiday Mondays 11am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)

We are closed on Mondays (except bank holidays), Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Our last ticketed time-slot is bookable one hour before closing.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Please arrive as close to the start of your slot as possible.

DO YOU SELL FOOD OR DRINKS AT THE BEAMS?

There is a cafe on site that sells drinks and light refreshments during the day.

DO YOU HAVE A CLOAK ROOM?

We have lockers for anyone who would prefer to stow their bags and coats while going round Thin Air. Our lockers are big enough to store one medium sized bag and some coats – but not large enough to store suitcases or large rucksacks. Please be aware we may search your bags when you enter.

CAN I TAKE PHOTOS/VIDEOS OF THE EXHIBITION SPACE?

Absolutely – the large-scale installations are a great setting for photos. All we ask is that you are respectful towards other guests when filming. No tripods or professional filming equipment is allowed without prior permission. 

HOW CAN I BUY TICKETS TO THIN AIR?

You can buy tickets online. We recommend buying tickets prior to your visit to ensure availability.

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS TO THIN AIR?

Adult peak – £25

Adult off-peak – £20

Concession (students with valid ID, over 65s, NHS staff & jobseekers) – £17

Child (4-16, only bookable with an adult ticket) – £10

Off-peak tickets are valid on weekdays before 5pm, excluding bank holidays.

Entry for children 3 and under is free, but you will still need a ticket.

Some of the installations feature extremely dark rooms, strobe lights & loud sounds (up to 98db), so we wouldn’t recommend the exhibition for children aged 6 and under.

Younger children are welcome at the discretion of parents and carers, but we recommend the use of ear defenders which will be available for those that require it onsite.

DO YOU OFFER ANY CONCESSIONARY TICKETS?

Discounted concession tickets are available to:

Ages 4 -16

Students (with valid ID)

Ages 65+

NHS staff

Jobseekers 

Carers go free, in conjunction with an adult or child ticket purchase.

Some of the installations feature extremely dark rooms, strobe lights & loud sounds (up to 98db), so we wouldn’t recommend the exhibition for children aged 6 and under.

Younger children are welcome at the discretion of parents and carers, but we recommend the use of ear defenders which will be available for those that require it onsite.

WHAT IS YOUR TICKET RETURNS POLICY?

Our ticketing is provided by our ticketing partner, See Tickets. You can view information about their ticketing policy here. For additional questions about ticket returns please contact visit their customer service portal here

CAN I CHANGE MY TIME SLOT / DATE OF MY VISIT?

We’ve worked with our ticketing partners, See Tickets, to make sure you can change the time of day of your ticket online. You can contact them here for more information.

ARE TICKETS TIMED?

Yes, our tickets are timed so that our spaces are not too busy. You can book a time-slot that works for you. Tickets are available here.

DO YOU OFFER GROUP VISITS?

Yes, for group bookings over 10, please email info@thebeamslondon.com

IS THIN AIR OPEN TO ALL AGE GROUPS?

Some of the installations feature extremely dark rooms, strobe lights & loud sounds (up to 98db), so we wouldn’t recommend the exhibition for children aged 6 and under.

Younger children are welcome at the discretion of parents and carers, but we recommend the use of ear defenders which will be available for those that require it onsite.

CAN I BRING MY PUSHCHAIR TO THIN AIR?

You are welcome to bring a pushchair and leave it in the designated buggy park while you enjoy your visit. For health and safety reasons, pushchairs are not allowed in the exhibition space.

DO YOU HAVE BABY CHANGE FACILITIES?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available before the entrance and after the exit to the exhibition. You can leave the exhibition at any time to access these facilities. 

DO YOU HAVE ACCESSIBLE CAR PARKING?

Yes – we have a limited amount of available spaces, this needs to be booked 7 days in advance, please contact us at access@thebeamslondon.com.

DO YOU HAVE ACCESS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS?

Thin Air is fully wheelchair accessible. If you have any question or would like to discuss any specific access needs, please contact us at access@thebeamslondon.com.

DO ANY OF YOUR EXHIBITS HAVE ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES?

Some of our exhibits feature flashing lights and strobes and may not be suitable for all visitors. Any exhibits that may have accessibility issues will be clearly signposted during your visit. Please contact access@thebeamslondon.com if you would like more information. 

DO YOU OFFER FREE TICKETS TO CARERS?

Yes, we offer free tickets for carers – these are an option when booking online. If you have any accessibility questions prior to your visit you can email the customer service team at access@thebeamslondon.com

DO WE HAVE A CONTACT EMAIL FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL ACCESS NEEDS?

Please contact our customer service team at access@thebeamslondon.com and we will do our very best to help.

DO YOU ALLOW ASSISTANCE DOGS?

You can contact us at access@thebeamslondon.com to talk to our team about whether we can accommodate your assistance dog.

CAN I HOST A PRIVATE EVENT AT YOUR VENUE?

If you are looking to host a private event at The Beams, we would love to hear from you – contact us at hello@spacesstories.com.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR HELP OR TO GIVE FEEDBACK?

You can contact us at info@thebeamslondon.com and we’ll do our very best to help. 

WHAT DOES THE CHALLENGE 25 POLICY MEAN?

If you are lucky enough to look under the age of 25, you may be asked to show identification to prove your age to be granted entry to the venue for all shows where age restrictions apply.

For further information on the Challenge 25 policy, please visit http://rasg.org.uk/about/

 

WHAT IS THE BEAMS’ ENTRANCE POLICY?

All tickets will be checked and scanned on entry.

Searching is a condition of entry to protect your safety and that of other visitors.

All persons entering the venue are also governed by the licence conditions and are liable for searches by security staff.

Full body and bag searches will be carried out before entry is granted. Any refusal by the ticket holder to comply with such searches may result in refusal of admission and eviction from the venue without refund or compensation.

WHAT IS THE BEAMS’ RE-ENTRY POLICY?

The Beams operate a no re-entry policy. Once you have left the venue, re-admittance will not be permitted.

WHAT IS THE BEAMS’ DRUG POLICY?

The Beams operates a strict zero tolerance drugs policy. Searches will be in operation and this is a condition of entry to the venue.

Any customer concerned over any part of the search will be discussed individually and the process explained by staff. The customer can refuse and leave the venue at any point should they not wish to continue with the search.

Anyone found in possession of illegal substances will be refused admission, ejected from the venue and may also be liable for prosecution.

 

We reserve the right to pass your details to the relevant authorities should we consider an offence or criminal act has taken place.

WHEN IS THE LAST ENTRY TO THE BEAMS’ SHOWS?

Most shows at the venue have a last entry time. Please double check this information before buying your ticket, as we cannot guarantee access after the last entry.

WHAT FORMS OF ID DO YOU ACCEPT?

We only accept a valid passport, foreign national ID cards, driving licence or home office approved PASS hologram as identification and/or proof of age. If there is a name on your ticket, you must provide valid photographic ID to match this name


Please note that we cannot accept expired or out-of-date forms of ID. If you are not able to provide a valid and in-date form of ID, you may be refused entry to the premises.

LEAVING THE VENUE

When leaving the venue, please consider our neighbours and leave quietly. 

The nearest station is Pontoon Dock, which is a 10-minute walk from the venue. The station is served by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which offers a frequent train service to Central London and connectivity to the London Underground network via Canning Town (Jubilee Line)

We have a designated pick up point for private hire cars and a taxi rank.

WHAT IS THE BEAMS’ BAG POLICY?

We do not allow bags or rucksacks on site that are bigger than an A4 piece of paper (21cm x 30cm). 

We have lockers on site that are available at a cost for smaller items and for storing personal items of clothing (coats, jackets). 

Please only bring essential items with you to the venue.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD AND DRINK TO THE BEAMS?


No food can be brought into the Beams, but there are bars within the venue.

ARE THERE ANY PROHIBITED ITEMS I’M NOT ALLOWED TO BRING TO THE BEAMS?

Please note you are NOT permitted to bring into (or use) any of the following items into the venue; illegal substances; legal highs or any other psychoactive substances; food; any form of liquid (including drinks and perfume); chewing gum; point and shoot cameras; bottles; weapons; ammunition; horns; whistles; drums, megaphones, amplification equipment, klaxons, air horns; fireworks, flares, smoke canisters, explosives, firearms, knives, blades; or any other article which may be used as a weapon or missile, or 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 specific purposes); large bags; hi-visibility tabards or similar; sponsorship, promotional or marketing material; marker pens, spray paint or any other similar items that may be used to mark infrastructure.

We reserve the right to confiscate any Prohibited Items. Anyone found in possession of such items will be refused admission, ejected from the venue and may also be liable for prosecution. No refunds will be given to customers who are refused admission due to possession of Prohibited Items.

If you have any specific reasons for bringing Prohibited Items into the venue (for example, because you have a dietary or medical condition), please contact us prior to the event on access@thebeamslondon.com

Animals, with the exception of guide dogs, are not permitted in the venue.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Thank you for your interest in a career at The Beams.

BAR OPERATIONS & STAFFING

Our bar operations and staffing are handled by Field Vision – to apply to be a part of their team, please email jobs@fieldvision.co.uk.

BROADWICK LIVE

Please click here for job opportunities at Broadwick Live.

CAN I PAY BY CARD AT THE BEAMS?

Our bars only accept card and contactless payment methods.

CAN I SMOKE OR VAPE AT THE BEAMS?

Within the designated outside smoking areas, yes.

If you are caught smoking or vaping anywhere except for the designated outdoor smoking areas, you will be ejected from the venue without a refund.

I’M A LOCAL RESIDENT AND WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH SOMEONE DURING EVENTS. WHO CAN I CALL?

We have a staffed phone line during events – the number is 07522470903. We ask that you send a text first and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you prefer to contact us via email: community@thebeamslondon.com

IS DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE AT THE BEAMS?

You can ask for free drinking water at any of the bars located within the venue.

I’VE LOST SOMETHING – WHO CAN I GET IN CONTACT WITH?

Please email lostproperty@thebeamslondon.com with “Lost Property” in the subject headline, plus a clear description of your lost item, the show at which you misplaced your item, and Log Number if provided.

We’re dealing with a large number of lost property requests at the moment, please allow four working days for responses to any Lost Property queries.

The Beams keep lost and found items for a maximum of one month.

After this period, they are passed on to local charity shops. Valuable items may be held for a longer period. Items such as passports and ID’s are securely disposed of if not collected within the stated time frame of four weeks.

Please note we are not responsible for any personal items lost on site.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY?

Our Privacy & Cookies Policy can be found here.

THE EVENT I HAVE BOUGHT A TICKET FOR HAS BEEN CANCELLED – WHAT DO I DO? WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND?

In the event of a show being cancelled, refunds will be in accordance with the promoter’s T&Cs at their discretion – you will need to contact them and/or your ticket agent.

WHAT IS YOUR TICKETING POLICY?

All tickets will be checked and scanned on entry.

Tickets can either be printed or, in the case of e-tickets, displayed on your mobile.

Please bring a valid form of photographic ID with you to the event (please note, we only accept valid passports, foreign national ID cards, driving licences or Home Office approved PASS cards as identification and/or proof of age).

If there is a name on your ticket, you must provide valid photographic ID to match this name.

Any fake, invalid or duplicate tickets will be rejected.

Please ensure that you purchase your ticket(s) from an authorised ticket agent. Authorised ticket agents vary from show to show – please check with the promoter of the show you’re interested in to see if a particular agent is authorised.

If you purchased through the Beams website, your ticket provider will be See Tickets.  Please contact them directly for assistance. Their customer service email portal is here

I CAN’T FIND MY TICKET/TICKET CONFIRMATION, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please access your account on your ticket provider website and try to download the ticket directly from there. If you still can’t see your tickets, please contact your ticket provider directly for assistance.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

In line with the latest Government regulation, proof of NHS Covid Pass or a negative lateral flow test are no longer mandatory requirements for those attending events at The Beams.


We recommend that you take a lateral flow test before you attend, and you must not attend the event if you test positive or feel unwell.

DO I NEED TO BE FULLY VACCINATED TO ATTEND THE THE BEAMS’ SHOWS?

No, as it currently stands you do not need to be fully vaccinated to attend.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING/PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT THE SHOWS?

You will not be required to wear a face covering while attending the event, however we advise visitors to be responsible, and wear a mask where they feel appropriate.

ARE THERE COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE AT THE VENUE?

All Covid-19 Safety measures will be in accordance with Government and Public Health England guidance at the time.


This include but are not limited to:

Enhanced cleaning across all areas of the venue.

Anti-viral fogging pre and post events.

Improved ventilation systems for the full venue.

Regular cleaning of high touch point areas across the venue.

Hygiene & Sanitation stations points around the venue.


All individuals attending the venue must acknowledge that the measures and restrictions in place at the venue also require personal responsibility on each individual for adhering to the requirements in place at the time that may include but are not limited to, those relating to personal hygiene, testing and reporting health issues, and self-isolating and not attend the venue if they’re unwell.


Each attendee must accept that these provisions are required to protect the health and wellbeing of themselves and others.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT COVID-19 – SHOULD I ATTEND THE EVENT?

All of our venues will be following the latest Government Guidance to ensure the safety of all of our guests.


We also have a number of internal measures in place to enhance provisions onsite.

This include but are not limited to:


Enhanced cleaning across all areas of the venue.

Anti-viral fogging pre and post events.

Improved ventilation systems for the full venue.

Regular cleaning of high touch point areas across the venue.

Hygiene & Sanitation stations points around the venue.


However, you are responsible for deciding whether or not you should attend the venue and, prior to attending, carry out your own personal risk assessment.

WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY?

If you have any queries regarding accessibility, please contact our team at: access@thebeamslondon.com.


If you prefer for us to call you, please provide your phone number via email.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL UNWELL AT THE BEAMS?

Please make a member of staff aware and they will direct you to the Welfare and Medic Area. We have a dedicated Welfare and Medical area on site should you feel unwell.


Regardless of the cause of your ill-health, our staff are trained to be non-judgemental with your well being placed with the utmost importance.  Please let a member of staff know you feel unwell.

CAN I BRING MY PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE OR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO THE BEAMS?

Yes – if you have any specific reasons for bringing prohibited items into the venue (for example, because you have a dietary or medical condition), please contact us prior to the event at access@thebeamslondon.com.

When you arrive onsite, please make security staff aware that you are bringing medical items in with you. Please contact us prior to the event and we can verify any items you need to bring on site.

WHAT IS THE BEAMS’ SAFETY POLICY?

We look forward to welcoming everyone to The Beams.

We would like to remind all guests, before and during the event, to play their part in making everyone’s visit a safe and enjoyable experience.

As always, the safety of all our guests is our top priority. We have a professional security team who conduct thorough searches on all guests prior to entry, along with a medic and welfare facility on site. 

Anyone who feels unwell or uncomfortable can contact the venue’s medical and security teams, or any member of staff immediately for assistance without judgement.

We hope you enjoy your visit and please remember to look out for yourselves and others.

YOUR CONDUCT

Here at The Beams we have zero tolerance for non-consensual sexual behaviour.

If you are seen to be making someone feel uncomfortable, harassing or assaulting anyone, you will be dealt with accordingly;

– You will be reported to security.

– You will be reported to the Police and they may be called to the venue.

– You will be ejected from the venue.

– You will be banned from entering the venue in the future.

Please be aware that uniformed and plain clothed security are constantly monitoring all spaces both in person and on CCTV throughout the event.

YOUR SAFETY AND WELLBEING MATTERS

If you feel uncomfortable for any reason please contact a member of staff who will assist you.

– If you’d like to do this discreetly go to any of our bars or security staff and ask for ‘Angela’.

– Our staff are trained to carefully help you get out of your situation and take you to a safe place.

– We also have a dedicated welfare team on site where you can be anonymously and discreetly assisted to safety.

ASK FOR ANGELA

At The Beams, we do not accept any form of harassment or violence towards any of our community. If you are feeling unsafe please approach a member of staff and Ask for Angela. Our staff will immediately know you need help and will be able to get you out of the situation safely and discreetly.

FEELING UNWELL

If at any time you feel unwell and need assistance, please make yourself known to one of our team located throughout the venue. We have dedicated welfare and medical teams on site. We operate an open door policy and you are welcome to seek help at any time without any judgement.

SPIKING

The Beams has a zero tolerance policy on drink tampering or spiking of any kind.

– All guests are subject to a thorough search when accessing the venue.

– Drink lids are available for free on request from behind the bar.

– Uniformed and plain clothed security are constantly monitoring all spaces both in person and on CCTV.

– Anyone caught spiking will be immediately dealt with by our security team, reported to the police, prosecuted and banned from the venue.

Should anyone feel unwell, we have a medic and welfare facility on site.If you are feeling unsafe please approach a member of staff and Ask for Angela. Our staff will immediately know you need help and will be able to get you out of the situation safely and discreetly.

SOMEONE AT THE VENUE IS MAKING ME FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Your safety and comfort during your visit to The Beams  is our absolute priority.

 

Should anyone make you feel uncomfortable at any time, please talk to any member of staff. We have fully trained teams on site who will be able to respond to your situation sensitively and appropriately.

LOCKERS

We have a range of lockers available on site:

£7.00 small (30cm x 30cm x 30cm)

£10.00 large (45cm x 30cm x 30cm)

You’ll also need to pay a £10 deposit, which is refunded after the return of the key. If you leave the key in the locker, we won’t be able to refund you, the key must be returned to staff on the locker desk point.

You can fit around 3-4 normal sized jackets in a small locker.

It’s not possible to book lockers in advance.

DRESS CODE

There’s no set dress code at The Beams.

Dress to dance.

SET TIMES

Set times are displayed on social media on the day of the show.

Instagram: @thebeamslondon

Twitter: @thebeamslondon

Facebook: @thebeamslondon

Set times are also displayed on all bars and throughout The Beams during each event.

Please note that set times are subject to change.

VENUE HIRE

The Beams: An expansive, versatile venue in the heart of the Royal Docks that acts as a testbed for culture in all its forms.

Please click here to find more information about hire options.

PRESS

For press enquiries, please contact: press@thebeamslondon.com

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