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Looking for a formal venue for your next event in Manchester? Here's a selection of our top venues for formal occasions, loved by professional event organisers across the city. Make sure your upcoming reception, meeting, or gala dinner is hosted in the right setting, whatever your guest list. Just find your favourites, enquire about availability, and find your perfect formal event spot today.

Manchester has a rich and varied history, from its industrial heritage to its role in the UK music scene.

HISTORY

From the historic buildings of the city centre to the iconic Old Trafford stadium, there are plenty of landmarks to discover.

LANDMARKS

With a lively music scene, a wealth of museums and art galleries, and a diverse range of restaurants, Manchester has plenty to offer.

CULTURE

Manchester, in the North West of England, has been a major settlement for centuries and has plenty of history to show for it. Its events scene is world-renowned, with something going on every night of the week. From live music and club nights to comedy shows and theatre performances, there’s always something to do in Manchester. The city is also home to a number of excellent venues for events, including the Manchester Arena, O2 Apollo Manchester and Albert Hall. There’s a great community feel in Manchester, making it the perfect place to hold an event.

Manchester

The United Kingdom has an excellent transport infrastructure, with a wide variety of options for getting around.

TRANSPORT

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, from Big Ben to Stonehenge.

The United Kingdom has a rich cultural heritage, with a wide variety of traditional music, art and cuisine.

The United Kingdom is a country in northwestern Europe, off the coast of France. It is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK has a long and rich history, and its culture has been influenced by many different peoples and nations. The UK is a leading economic and political power, and is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. The UK is an excellent place to hold an event, with a variety of world-class venues and a wealth of experience in hosting events of all kinds.

United Kingdom

We've handpicked the very best formal venues in Manchester. From the historic to the fashionably modern, there's somewhere to suit everyone.

Formal Venues

Formal Event Venues

Discover the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester for top-tier formal events. Ideal for corporate galas, launches, and award ceremonies.

Unusual and unique, the Revolution Manchester Gallery is the Museum's newest gallery. It provides an overview of Manchester's rich industrial and scientific heritage with sections dedicated to Transport Revolutions, Computer Age, Engineering, Energy, Cottonopolis and Structure of Matter. There is a stunning digital media wall and photo chandelier which can be utilised to complement and enhance corporate gala dinners, product launches, award ceremonies and presentations within the gallery.

Revolution Manchester Gallery event space with colorful screens, ideal for networking and celebrations.

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Revolution Manchester Gallery event space with colorful screens and dynamic lighting.

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Revolution Manchester Gallery with vibrant screens, ideal for networking events.

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Vibrant Revolution Manchester Gallery event with dancing attendees and colorful lights.

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Revolution Manchester Gallery event with colorful screens and diverse attendees.

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Reception

Business

Revolution Manchester Gallery

Science and Industry Museum

Science and Industry Museum: Formal Events

Discover top formal event venues in Manchester. Ideal for corporate gatherings, the Manchester Marriott offers a premier setting.

The 1844 room at the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert Hotel is a highly flexible and adaptable space. For business meetings and corporate events, the room can accommodate up to 30 in a theatre style seating format. Situated in Manchester’s vibrant business district, the hotel offers a comprehensive range of business services and equipment. 

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Theatre

1844

The Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel

Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel

Discover top formal event venues in Manchester. Ideal for professional gatherings, Manchester Art Gallery offers a unique setting.

Gallery 16 is truly an unforgettable space and it is available for a civil partnership or wedding ceremony for up to 120. Exchange your vows surrounded by atmospheric Mancunian paintings by Lowry and Valette.
The Gallery's extremely helpful wedding coordinators offer comprehensive support with wedding packages including venue decor, floristry, entertainment and more. 

Elegant event space with gold chiavari chairs for meetings and celebrations in Manchester.

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Event space in Manchester Art Gallery with black chairs, ideal for presentations and ceremonies.

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Weddings

Gallery 16

Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery Formal Events

Discover The Lowry in Manchester, a top choice for formal events with stunning views and exclusive amenities. Ideal for professional gatherings.

The Compass Room is a unique and contemporary space, privately located on the fourth floor. The room offers stunning views of the surrounding Quays, of which can also be enjoyed from the rooms private balcony. With its own private bar and stunning lighting rig,  it offers the perfect space for conferences. dinner, receptions and Christmas parties. 



Elegant event space in The Compass Room, perfect for upscale gatherings and networking.

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Elegant event space in The Compass Room, ideal for galas and corporate gatherings.

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Elegant event space in The Compass Room, perfect for formal dinners and networking.

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Events

The Compass Room

Lowry

The Lowry - Premier Formal Events Venue

Discover top formal event venues in Manchester. Ideal for corporate gatherings, conferences, and elegant receptions at Manchester Central.

The Charter Suite at Manchester Central Convention Complex is a versatile space suitable for a wide range of events and meetings. With modern facilities and a spacious layout, it is ideal for corporate events, conferences, and exhibitions. The suite offers a professional environment for business meetings and seminars, and its flexible layout makes it suitable for networking events and receptions. The contemporary design and state-of-the-art amenities provide a sophisticated setting for product launches, trade shows, and training sessions. Whether it's a formal dinner, a cocktail party, or a wedding reception, the Charter Suite can be transformed to suit the occasion, making it a popular choice for social events and celebrations.

Charter Suite in Manchester Central: spacious, modern venue for conferences and gatherings.

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Charter Suite in Manchester Central: spacious venue with grand arched ceiling for events.

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Spacious Charter Suite conference room in Manchester with elegant blue curtains.

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Charter Suite exhibition hall in Manchester Central, bustling with diverse booths and displays.

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Spacious Charter Suite in Manchester Central, ideal for conferences and banquets.

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Charter Suite

Manchester Central

Manchester Central Formal Events Hub

Discover top formal event venues in Manchester. Imperial War Museum North offers exceptional spaces for corporate and private functions.

As one of the region's leading event venues, the entire Imperial War Museum is available to hire for spectacular private dining experiences. It offers a variety of exceptional spaces and its experienced events team can provide a seemingly limitless supply of innovative buffets, canapés, BBQs, party platters and sit-down meals  to satisfy the most discerning of tastes. 

"Exclusive Hire venue at Imperial War Museum North, modern architecture by waterfront for events."

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Vibrant event space at Imperial War Museum North with dynamic projections and elegant decor.

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Dynamic event space with aircraft installation at Imperial War Museum North for networking events.

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Exclusive Hire event space with aircraft installation and vibrant purple lighting.

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Vibrant event space with whimsical projections at Imperial War Museum North for celebrations.

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Dining 

Exclusive Hire

Imperial War Museum North

Imperial War Museum North: Formal Events

Discover the People's History Museum in Manchester for your next formal event. Ideal for corporate gatherings and product launches.

The restored redbrick Coal Store features a spacious double height vaulted iron and wood ceiling and other original heritage features. It offers a fully private, intimate space which is ideal for meetings, workshops, and breakout spaces. Its versatility allows for a range of layouts and configurations, catering to both formal and informal gatherings. The Coal Store can be hired separately or in combination with the Engine Room.

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Standing

Coal Store

People's History Museum

People's History Museum Formal Events

Discover top formal event venues in Manchester. Ideal for conferences, banquets, and professional gatherings. Perfect for corporate needs.

As the largest of all the rooms at the Manchester Conference Centre, the Pioneer Room offers a versatile space for a variety of events such as large conferences, banqueting, formal dinners and exhibitions.  The venue has direct access to the courtyard, so guests can enjoy the fresh air between meetings or dining courses.  With floor space of 350 sq mt, and flexible seating arrangements, this is a highly adaptable venue for events.

Pioneer Room at Manchester Conference Centre, elegant event space for weddings and corporate events.

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Pioneer Room at Manchester Conference Centre, elegant tables for networking events.

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Pioneer Room at Manchester Conference Centre with elegant round tables for events.

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Pioneer Room at Manchester Conference Centre, elegant event space with round tables.

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Pioneer Room at Manchester Conference Centre, ideal for meetings and exhibitions.

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Pioneer Room

Manchester Conference Centre & Pendulum Hotel

Manchester Formal Events & Conference Hub

Discover Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, a top choice for corporate and showcase events with full AV support and unique architecture.

Made up of two adjoining areas totalling over 700 sqm. The Bays are our most popular event space. Built in 1932 for cotton stock, and later storage for Kellogg's, McVitie's and Cadburys, their rich history and interesting architecture make them ideal for corporate and showcase events. 

A large pre-function space with a feature bar leads into the main room, which is complete with a full AV package. This includes screens and projectors, colour-changing down lighters on the pillars, a PA system, staging, lecterns, mics and relay screens, giving you a hassle-free event solution.

Elegant event at The Bays, Victoria Warehouse with stylish tables and ambient lighting.

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Elegant event space at The Bays, featuring black linens and gold accents for formal gatherings.

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Elegant event space at The Bays, Victoria Warehouse with festive decor for corporate gatherings.

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Spacious Victoria Warehouse event venue with chairs for presentations and conferences.

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Vibrant networking event at The Bays, Victoria Warehouse with modern decor and warm lighting.

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The Bays

London

Victoria Warehouse 

Victoria Warehouse: Premier Formal Events

Discover 20 Stories, a top choice for formal events in Manchester. Ideal for professional gatherings and corporate dinners.

The executive boardroom is the perfect place for a private dining experience for up to 16 people, offering an intimate setting that combines elegance with modern amenities. Located on the 18th floor of the Hyatt Regency Manchester, this sophisticated space features dual aspect floor-to-ceiling windows, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Guests can enjoy impeccable service while indulging in a curated dining experience, complemented by an executive suite equipped with a Nespresso machine and plush executive chairs. Ideal for business dinners or exclusive gatherings, the boardroom ensures a memorable occasion in the heart of Manchester's innovation district. With built-in AV capabilities and a designated meeting floor, it seamlessly blends functionality with style, making it the ultimate choice for discerning hosts.

"Grill Hire at 20 Stories Restaurant with cityscape view for upscale corporate events."

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Grill Hire at 20 Stories Restaurant: elegant dining space for upscale events with panoramic views.

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Elegant dining setup at Grill Hire, 20 Stories Restaurant, perfect for corporate events.

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Grill Hire

20 Stories Restaurant

20 Stories: Premier Formal Events in Manchester

Discover top formal event venues in Manchester. Hyatt Regency offers panoramic views and versatile spaces for corporate gatherings.

The 18th Floor Lounge offers 363.6 sq m of flexible space with outstanding panoramic views across Manchester City Centre to one side and to the peak district on the other. These range of spaces are perfect spot for wedding and engagements celebrations

18th Floor Lounge at Hyatt Regency Manchester, elegant table for upscale events and meetings.

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Elegant 18th Floor Lounge at Hyatt Regency Manchester, perfect for formal dinners and galas.

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18th Floor Lounge at Hyatt Regency Manchester with illuminated dance floor for events.

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18th Floor Lounge

Hyatt Regency Manchester 

Hyatt Regency Manchester Formal Events

Discover The Midland, a top choice for formal events in Manchester. Ideal for corporate gatherings and large-scale ceremonies.

From Awards Ceremonies to Corporate Events and Charity Balls, the Alexandra Suite is our largest space at The Midland Manchester, accommodating up to 700 delegates in a stunning setting. This versatile ballroom is perfect for grand gatherings, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and elegant décor that create an unforgettable atmosphere. With 14 additional meeting rooms available, we can cater to events of all sizes, ensuring a seamless experience for every occasion. Located in the heart of Manchester, The Midland offers exceptional hospitality and convenient access, making it the ideal venue for your next business event. Elevate your corporate gatherings with our dedicated team, who are committed to delivering excellence in service and support. Choose the Alexandra Suite for a memorable event that leaves a lasting impression.

Alexandra Suite at The Midland Manchester, elegant event space for conferences and banquets.

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Alexandra Suite

The Midland Manchester

The Midland Manchester: Premier Formal Events

Discover Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, a top choice for gala dinners, awards evenings, and corporate events. Perfect for any formal occasion.

The Point offers a blank canvas to inspire creativity, and can host a wide range of events including  gala dinners, awards evenings, product launches, fashion shows, receptions, birthday parties and wedding receptions. 

Large, full of light, versatile and modern, The Point is an organisers dream venue. Our luxurious facilities include a mezzanine bar overlooking the main suite with frosted windows that can be turned clear to create a WOW factor reveal of the main event space below. 

The space also has several bars, customisable coloured LED lighting and its own private balcony. 


Elegant event space at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, perfect for galas and corporate events.

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Vibrant crowd at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, celebrating a gala event with confetti.

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Vibrant gala event space at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford with elegant tables and stage.

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Elegant dinner setup at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford for corporate events.

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Sophisticated event space at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, ideal for networking and presentations.

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The Point

Emirates Old Trafford 

Emirates Old Trafford - Manchester's Premier Forma

A historic luxury hotel in Manchester with 14 conference rooms, natural light, and disabled access.

It benefits from natural light, air conditioning, and disabled access, making The Trafford at The Midland Hotel an exceptional choice for your wedding celebration. Nestled in the heart of Manchester, this iconic venue combines stunning original features with modern amenities, creating a romantic atmosphere for your special day. With a dedicated team ready to assist, you can enjoy seamless planning and execution. Guests can indulge in luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining options, and unwind at the bar and lounge. The Trafford also offers access to a gym, relaxation pool, and spa, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Celebrate your love story in style at The Trafford, where elegance meets comfort in one of Manchester's most prestigious locations.

Elegant banquet hall at The Trafford, perfect for weddings and corporate events.