The Old Exchange, 14 Corn Row
Visit the Ball
A former corn exchange with high arched windows and a room that holds 220 for dinner. Here is how to get in, where to leave the car and what to wear.
Dress code
Black tie
Dinner jacket or dark suit with a black bow tie, or a long or cocktail dress. Military or national dress is welcome. Trainers and jeans are not, though the dance floor forgives a lot.
Getting there
- By train
- Stillbridge station is twelve minutes on foot, out of the north exit and along Mill Walk. Taxis wait on the forecourt until midnight.
- Parking
- The car park behind the Exchange holds 60 cars and is free after 18:00. Blue badge spaces are at the Corn Row entrance.
- Access
- Step-free from Corn Row to the main hall. Lifts reach the gallery and the accessible toilets are on the ground floor.
- Cloakroom
- Open from 18:30 until 01:00 in the lobby. Coats are not taken to the tables.
- Questions on the day
- 01632 960 611 until 23:00, or ask any steward in a red sash.
Staying over
Rooms near the Exchange
Three hotels within a ten-minute walk have offered rooms at a Ball rate. Quote “Meridian Ball” when you book, and the rate holds until 1 February.
Rooms are not run by the Trust, so please confirm the rate and the cancellation terms with each hotel.
Before you come
- Can I bring a guest who is not booked?
- Not on the night. Every seat is on the guest list so the seating plan works.
- Is there a vegetarian menu?
- Yes. Tell us when you book and it is marked on your table card.
- Can I photograph the auction?
- Photographs of your own table are fine. Please do not photograph other guests at their table.