Dry Hire Venues in Manchester

What is a dry hire venue and why should I use one?

A dry hire venue is an event space that is rented out without any additional services, staff, or other elements needed for events such as catering, branding, AV or furniture. They are completely blank canvas spaces that allow personalisation and the ability to be creative over the event style. This type of venue is popular among event planners because it provides more flexibility and control over the event. Many top dry hire venues also offer the space on an all inclusive basis too, so it’s really up to you on how much or little is included in your package. Dry hire venues in Manchester can be found in a variety of locations, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs and make great options for events of all kinds.

What are the pros and cons of hiring a dry hire venue?

There are a range of pros and cons to hiring a dry hire venue in central Manchester.

Some benefits include: The main benefit of a dry hire venue is that you can control every element of your event and make it completely bespoke to you and your event needs, such as using your own catering. You are not tied to a specific caterer or supplier, so you can choose who you want to work with to create your perfect event.

Dry hire can often be a good option if you’re on a budget, as you’ll be able to negotiate your own deals with suppliers to reduce costs. If you’re event budget isn’t huge and you need some help with venue and supplier sourcing, our event experts at Hire Space 360 will take care of all of that for you, as well as negotiating the best rates.

Depending on the type of event you’re planning, dry hire can work well to create unique experiences for your guests. We like dry hire for events like large conferences and exhibitions, pop ups, brand activations and even parties.

Some cons of dry hire venues include: The event organisers will be responsible for everything from set-up to clean-up, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Also, you’ll have to source every single supplier you need, which can be quite overwhelming and you won’t have access to tried-and-tested suppliers that already work with all-inclusive venues.

Although it can be cheaper to do things yourself, dry hire isn’t always the cheapest option. Costs may add up and go unaccounted for, meaning the budget can easily exceed its limit. There may be additional costs for things like furniture rental, security, and insurance too.

It can also be difficult to find a dry hire venue that is the perfect size and has the right facilities for your event.

Check out our dedicated piece on dry hire vs wet hire for more guidance on the best option to choose for your event type and objectives.

Is Manchester a good place to hold events?

Manchester is a great city for events, with a variety of venues to suit all budgets and tastes. From large conference centres to smaller, more intimate rooms, there is something to suit every event in Manchester from a corporate event to parties, even weddings!

When choosing a venue for your event, it is important to consider the type of event you are holding, as well as the budget you have available. Location is also key, and Manchester has a range of different areas to explore, from the city centre to the suburbs. There are also a number of events held in the surrounding areas, such as Salford and Trafford. Manchester has great transport options connecting to London and the rest of the UK, so your guests will have no trouble getting to your event.

If you are looking for the perfect space to hold your event in Manchester, then Hire Space can help! We have a wide range of dry hire venues available to hire in Manchester, and our team can help you find the perfect space for your event. Contact us today to find out more!

How much does it cost to hire a dry hire venue in Manchester?

The cost of hiring a dry hire venue in Manchester will depend on the type of event you are hosting, the location of the venue, and the size of the space. Prices can range from £250 to £2000 per day. Compared to other cities in the UK like London, Manchester is a relatively well-priced city for events.

It’s important to consider the type of event you are hosting, as this will determine the size and layout of the space you need. You should also consider the number of guests you are inviting, as this will impact the capacity of the venue. Additionally, think about your budget and what amenities you require from your venue.

Best dry hire venues in Manchester

Manchester has a wide range of exciting event venues that can cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are a few of our favourites!

Bridge 5 Mill

Located just outside Manchester City Centre in Ancoats, this rustic renovated mill is home to unique event spaces with a huge focus on sustainability. Their Conference Floor is a great example of a unique dry hire space perfect for adding your own spin, and can accommodate up to 100 attendees.

FiveFourStudios

This unique space in Salford is a studio blank canvas space perfect for a pop up, fashion show, or even quirky conference. The space offers drive-in access, a private car park and outside area, as well as professional catering facilities. You can hold an event for up to 120 guests here.

The Federation

Located in the centre of Manchester, this historic building offers a variety of flexible spaces for events available on a dry hire basis. Easily accessible by public transport and packed full of colours and textures, this venue is proud to say that it was purpose built with ‘collaboration at its core’ - the perfect environment to let your creativity run wild! The largest dry hire space in this venue can accommodate 220 guests.

(Black Mill Northern Quarter](https://hirespace.com/Spaces/Manchester/139136/Black-Milk-Northern-Quarter/Black-Milk-Cafe/Dining-)

Something a little different, this cafe in the heart of the Northern Quarter is a great little dry hire spot for small meetings, brainstorming sessions, away days and even pop ups. Able to welcome 40 guests, this venue is a flexible, unique space for a small low key event.

Brickhouse Social

Brickhouse Social is a special dry hire venue perfect for creative events such as brand activations, parties, product launches, and even fashion shows. This underground club near Deansgate can accommodate 350 guests and makes the perfect choice for a unique, effortlessly cool event.

Abode Manchester

Located in the city centre, Abode is a stunning space for up to 40 guests to enjoy a sophisticated setting at your event. Available on a dry hire basis, this plush brasserie is sure to impress.

Mercure Manchester Piccadilly

One of Manchester’s largest event spaces, the Mercure can accommodate up to 1000 guests and is available to hire on a dry hire basis. Perfect for award ceremonies, conferences and parties, this venue is a stones throw from the main city train station and is an impressive backdrop for a large event.

Things to consider when searching for top dry hire venues in Manchester

Here are some things to consider when choosing a dry hire venue for your event in Manchester:

• The type of event you are hosting: A corporate away day will have different requirements from a wedding reception, so it's important to choose a venue that is suitable and offers the perfect setting for your event.
• The number of guests you are expecting: Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your expected number of guests.
• The budget you have to work with: A dry hire venue can be a more affordable option than hiring a wet-hire or all inclusive venue, but it's still important to compare prices and get the best value for your money. Don't forget to factor in things like catering, entertainment and decoration costs when deciding on your budget.
• The location of the venue: Choose a venue that is easy to get to for your guests, and consider the surrounding area when choosing a location to host in.
• The facilities at the venue: Make sure the venue has everything you need for your event, including adequate parking, disabled access, and catering facilities. Help your guests stay connected during the event - don't forget wifi!
• Access: Make sure you know what time you'll be able to access the site and how long you'll have to set up.

There you have it! Our guide to dry hire venues in Manchester. For more information or for some help with planning your event, get in touch with our event experts today and see how we can help! You can also check out our comprehensive venue finding guide for more guidance.