I have only once eaten at a town hall event.
It was when I paid (£12 if I recall) to hear a series of 3 lectures, of which Germaine Greer was the 'headline act'.
Scones, cream and jam (along with tea or coffee) were included in the price.
I don't know who the caterer was, but I don't recommend them.
The scones were so underbaked that they stuck to the teeth like glue.
I had to make a special journey to the washroom to try to clear the gunge from my mouth (wasn't successful until I brushed them when I got home).
Maybe the organisers wanted 'no questions' at the end, so they ensured the audience had their upper and lower jaws firmly sealed
