Manchester is full of excellent performance venues, from grand theatres and concert halls to outdoor performance spaces and underground venues. That means if you're looking for somewhere to host a performance, from dance to drama or music, there are plenty of options in Manchester!

That said, it's worth noting that performance venues aren't just great spaces for performances. They can also make excellent venues for conferences, awards ceremonies, exhibitions and more. So, no matter what kind of event you're organising, browse our selection of the best performance spaces near you and get booking!

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

Need a performance venue in Manchester? From theatres to concert halls, indoors and outdoors, we've listed the best performance spaces near you.

Performance Venues

275-capacity performance venue in South Manchester with lighting rig, advanced PA system, versatile staging options and in-house technical team from £1,200 daily.

The mission of the Message Enterprise Centre is to support men and women who are working for a second chance after making bad choices as young people. We fund this mission by hiring out our modern, well-equipped venue for a variety of purposes, including business meetings, seminars, and conferences. The Venue can accommodate up to 325 people, and is equipped with an advanced PA system, up-to-date audio-visual system, a lighting rig and board, a stage area, and a projector and screen. Our in-house tech team will be in attendance to help with equipment and electronics. 

Event space with stage and blue chairs for performances at The Message Enterprise Centre.

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Engaged audience at The Venue, Message Enterprise Centre, for a successful event presentation.

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Standing

Business

The Venue

The Message Enterprise Centre

1,730-capacity professional theatre in MediaCityUK with full rigging, large stage and covered loading bay. From £9,500 per day for major performances and conferences.

The Lyric Theatre is at the heart of The Lowry, and hosts dance, opera and theatre productions throughout the year.  It is a highly regarded events venue, with top-quality facilities, bright and modern decoration, and seating for 1730 guests.  The Lyric Theatre benefits from being the centrepiece of the Lowry, Manchester's most visited tourist attraction. 

Elegant table with floral centerpiece at Lyric Theatre, perfect for gala dinners and award ceremonies.

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Lyric Theatre auditorium set for corporate events with tiered seating and branding.

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Theatre

Arts

Lyric Theatre 

Lowry

Lowry - Lyric Theatre

260-capacity music hall with stage in iconic Manchester venue, ideal for live performances and corporate events, from £100 per day.

The space is available for exclusive hire with its own private bar, high quality PA and lighting system, private smoking area and private toilets. The space is perfect for any event, whether it’s a big party, a product launch, filming, or a wedding reception. 

The Music Hall at The Deaf Institute with a spacious dance floor and disco ball for events.

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The Music Hall at The Deaf Institute with vibrant lighting, ideal for events and performances.

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Film and Photo

Music hall

The Deaf Institute

Industrial chic performance venue in Manchester city centre with 600-capacity standing, state-of-the-art sound system, and mezzanine level from £2,000 daily hire.

Stage + Club is a versatile and dynamic space ideal for a variety of events including club nights, weddings, screenings, product launches, conferences, parties, and live performances. This big blank canvas can accommodate a range of setups, from theatre-style seating for up to 200 guests to cabaret-style for 120. With a standing capacity of 100 to 600, it is perfect for large gatherings. The space features a huge bar, projector, AV setup, and a flexible layout, allowing for bespoke events tailored to your needs. Collaborate with in-house creative teams, techs, artists, and mixologists to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Versatile event space in Gorilla Manchester, set for a colorful performance.

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GORILLAS MONDAY MADNESS FRESHERS PARTY ...

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Reception

Events

Stage + Club

Gorilla

3,500-capacity industrial performance venue in Manchester with eight separate areas, rigging capabilities, stage, and dressing rooms. From £12,000 per day for exclusive h

Draped head to toe in industrialist aesthetic, The Cotton Sheds regularly host enthralling shows and conferences with as many as eight separate areas and room for up to 5,000 people. 

Shed A, our most famous space has been home to events produces by top brands: Nike, Heineken, Jeep, The Northern Powerhouse Partnership and BBC Radio Music festival. This vast area within The Cotton Sheds is perfect for launches, conferences, dinners, sporting events and music shows. Sheds B, C, D, E, F and G can be hired collectively as breakout rooms, separate catering areas or exhibition space. 

Elegant event setup at The Cotton Sheds, featuring floral centerpieces and ambient lighting.

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Elegant event space at Victoria Warehouse with round tables for corporate galas.

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Cotton Sheds event space with colorful containers, ideal for corporate and creative events.

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Event setup at Victoria Warehouse with dramatic lighting and sleek vehicle for product launch.

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Vibrant event space at The Cotton Sheds, ideal for festivals and trade shows.

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The Cotton Sheds

London

Victoria Warehouse 

Victoria Warehouse - The Cotton Sheds

1400-capacity auditorium with flexible non-fixed seating, ideal for performances and conferences. State-of-the-art AV, lighting and sound. Manchester city centre, from £4

The 1400 seater auditorium comes with complete flexibilty as the chairs are not fixed to the floor! The entire room can be changed and altered to fit your desired image of how you want your event to look like. The rooms comes with high-quailty furnishings with state of the art AV, lighting and sound equipment ensuring that world class events can be accommodated with ease. 

Vibrant auditorium with dynamic lighting at a live concert event.

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Dynamic auditorium event with performers, vibrant lighting, and engaged audience.

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Dynamic control room for live events with screens and equipment at !Audacious Conferencing.

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 Auditorium   

!Audacious Conferencing

1,800-capacity iconic concert hall auditorium ideal for large conferences and performances, 5 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly, from £85 per person day delegate rate.

With theatre-style seating for 1800, and a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, the Auditorium is unbeatable as a conference space within Manchester.  This stand-out venue is centrally located with excellent transport links, and offers superb in-house catering and plenty of spacious, stylish rooms that can be hired in conjunction with the Auditorium.  

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Auditorium

The Bridgewater Hall

Versatile 300-capacity performance venue with large stage, bar and outdoor terrace near MediaCity UK, ideal for theatre, concerts and corporate events from £300/hour.

20 Stories, in the heart of Manchester's latest development, is the perfect choice for impressive dinner events—corporate or private alike. Elevate your dining experience on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, where stunning 360-degree views of the Manchester skyline set the stage for unforgettable gatherings. With a spacious restaurant, private dining room, and a lively outdoor terrace, your guests will enjoy an ambiance of sophistication and style. The venue boasts natural light, air-conditioning, and a state-of-the-art sound system, ensuring comfort and enjoyment throughout your event. Whether you're hosting a corporate dinner or a special celebration, 20 Stories offers an exquisite menu crafted from the finest local ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine selection. Make your next event truly memorable at this iconic Manchester venue.

Charming outdoor venue with warm lighting for casual meetings and networking events.

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Versatile stage setup with black backdrop for conferences and performances in The Empty Space.

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Pop-up

Whole Venue

The Empty Space 

150-seat custom-built theatre near MediaCity, ideal for performances and corporate events. Welcoming atmosphere with WiFi connectivity from £475 per day exclusive hire.

“We wanted to build a place that everyone could use, to attend and perform in without feeling they had to wear their Sunday best, it’s a place for the next-door neighbour, the accomplished actor, someone just starting out and the established writer, the unheard of comedian, a place to feel like home. Step through the door and the magic begins” Jo Fisher, Director of Footlights

Versatile event space with red chairs and projection screen for presentations and workshops.

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Elegant stage with spotlighted microphone, perfect for workshops and presentations.

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Versatile event space with black stage and purple drapes for presentations and performances.

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Versatile event space with red and gray seating, ideal for presentations and workshops.

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Versatile event space with flexible seating for meetings and gatherings.

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290-capacity theatre space with semi-sprung wooden flooring, integrated AV and flexible layout. Wheelchair accessible in Manchester's Corridor innovation district from £3

You truly take centre-stage when you get married at Contact! Our on-stage wedding ceremony packages include a bespoke lighting design and integrated audio playback, as well as a host of theatrical flourishes such as petal drops and pyrotechnics. 

Event space with dramatic stage and red seating, ideal for presentations and performances.

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Elegant stage in Contact Theatre, ideal for captivating performances and events.

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Modern event space with vibrant colors, ideal for networking and collaboration.

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Space 1 in Contact Theatre with tiered seating, ideal for presentations and performances.

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Modern event space with vibrant yellow ceiling, perfect for meetings and gatherings.

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Weddings

Space 1

Contact Theatre

150-capacity church sanctuary in Hulme, ideal for performances and gigs. Theatre seating for 100, own access, kitchen servery. £500 daily hire.

Sanctuary is a large and versatile space at Ascension Church Hulme, suitable for hosting a variety of events such as gigs, rehearsals, performances, and art exhibitions. It features its own access and a small kitchen servery counter, making it convenient for event organizers. The space is ideal for large gatherings and creative activities, offering a welcoming and flexible environment for different types of events.

Sanctuary in Ascension Church Hulme, featuring high ceilings and modern lighting for events.

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Sanctuary ceiling at Ascension Church Hulme, featuring geometric design and skylights for events.

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Versatile auditorium in Ascension Church Hulme, ideal for conferences and performances.

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Versatile Sanctuary in Ascension Church Hulme, ideal for community events and workshops.

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Sanctuary

Ascension Church Hulme

1,300-capacity restored events hall with immersive disco ceiling, built-in stage and state-of-the-art production facilities, ideal for performances and conferences from £

New Century Hall is an exquisitely restored open-plan events hall suitable for parties, conferences, gigs, exhibitions, conventions, and private dinners. The venue has a rich history, hosting iconic acts like The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. It features original mid-century features, a sprung maple dance floor, wooden panelling, and a restored 'disco ceiling' creating an immersive environment. With a flexible layout and state-of-the-art facilities including a sound system, production, and lighting, it can cater to various event needs. The space can accommodate up to 1,300 people.

New Century Hall Manchester: spacious venue with polished wood floor for events and performances.

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New Century Hall Manchester with green lighting, ideal for events and performances.

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Modern bar area in New Century Hall, Manchester, perfect for networking events and gatherings.

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New Century Hall Manchester: modern event venue with high ceiling, ideal for conferences and gatherings.

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New Century Hall Manchester: modern event venue with large glass windows for conferences.

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New Century Hall

New Century Hall Manchester

21,000-capacity arena bowl at Victoria Station complex, ideal for major performances and conferences. Theatre-style seating for 21,000, from £15,000 daily hire.

The Arena bowl is a versatile event space located within the AO Arena Manchester. It offers a spacious area suitable for hosting large-scale events, exhibitions, and conferences. The venue is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, within the Victoria Station complex, making it easily accessible for guests and delegates. With a capacity to accommodate up to 900 guests for banqueting and 2,500 guests in a theatre-style setup, the Arena bowl is ideal for grand events and performances. The space also features an auditorium with a capacity of 9,100 guests, making it suitable for large-scale exhibitions and shows. Additionally, the Arena bowl provides 3,120 square meters of exhibition floor space, offering flexibility for various event setups and configurations. The venue hire price and minimum spend estimate are available upon request, and the hire timings are flexible, starting from 09:00 and ending at 22:00.

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Arena bowl

AO Arena

Creative Manchester arts hub with theatre, gallery, music studio and rehearsal spaces ideal for performances, workshops and creative events from £250 daily.

Rehearsal Spaces at Z-arts offer a creative and versatile environment for event organisers. With a theatre, gallery, music studio, and rehearsal spaces, it is an ideal venue for hosting rehearsals, workshops, creative meetings, and small events. The space is designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, making it perfect for artists, performers, and creative professionals.

Vibrant tiered seating in Z-arts, ideal for corporate events and performances.

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Vibrant tiered seating in Z-arts for engaging presentations and performances.

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Vibrant tiered seating in Z-arts rehearsal space for engaging events and presentations.

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Rehearsal Spaces

Z-arts

Historic chapel-turned-performance venue with stained-glass windows, up to 1,300 standing capacity, built-in stage and lighting rig. From £7,500 venue hire plus minimum s

The Standing Room at Albert Hall is a versatile space suitable for a wide range of events and gatherings. With its large, balconied venue in an old chapel building, the space offers a unique and atmospheric setting for big-name gigs, corporate events, private parties, and more. The stained-glass windows and stunning architecture add to the charm and character of the space, creating a memorable backdrop for any occasion. Whether it's a standing reception, a product launch, or a corporate Gala Dinner the Standing Room provides a flexible and vibrant environment for guests to enjoy.

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Main Hall and Mezzanine

Albert Hall Manchester

2,100m² outdoor performance space with River Irwell views, accommodating up to 5,000 standing or 1,300 theatre-style in Manchester's St John's neighbourhood.

The Public Realm at Aviva Studios is a unique outdoor space that spans 2,100m2, offering stunning south-facing views of the River Irwell. This versatile venue is perfect for a variety of events, including pop-up brand activations, experiential marketing campaigns, live music performances, and markets. The Undercroft, which runs beneath Factory International, provides a covered area that is equipped with WiFi, allowing for year-round activities. With its vibrant location in Manchester's St John's neighborhood, The Public Realm is an ideal choice for those looking to create memorable experiences in a dynamic setting.

Modern Aviva Studios venue with vibrant outdoor space for events and gatherings.

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Modern event stage with LED backdrop for tech presentations at Aviva Studios.

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Modern Aviva Studios venue with geometric design, perfect for innovative events and gatherings.

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Spacious event space in Aviva Studios with high ceilings, ideal for exhibitions and gatherings.

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Modern auditorium with tiered seating and bright yellow chairs for conferences and presentations.