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

United Kingdom

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.

LANDMARKS

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

CULTURE

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.

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

Performance Venues

A flexible 1400-seat auditorium with top-notch AV for various events and concerts.

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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Theatre

Events

 Auditorium   

!Audacious Conferencing

A prestigious 1800-seat auditorium in Manchester, ideal for conferences with excellent facilities.

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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Business

Auditorium

The Bridgewater Hall

A vast industrial event space in Manchester, hosting up to 5,000 for shows, conferences, and more.

Iconic industrial event complex with dramatic brick and steel backdrops, scalable layouts and production‑ready power for contemporary conferences.

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 

A versatile industrial music venue with a private club area, ideal for concerts and parties.

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 with raised stage and tiered seating.

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

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Versatile event space in Gorilla Manchester, ready for presentations and performances.

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Versatile event space in Gorilla Manchester with industrial design for conferences and performances.

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Versatile event space in Gorilla Manchester with large screen for conferences and performances.

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Reception

Stage + Club

Gorilla

A versatile venue in Manchester offering unique spaces for weddings and events with theatrical flair.

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

A versatile venue with a large stage, bar, terrace, and rehearsal room. Ideal for events and performances.

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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Standing

Pop-up

Whole Venue

The Empty Space 

Iconic multi-floor music venue in Manchester, ideal for private events, filming, and workshops.

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

A modern theatre space seating 1,730, ideal for performances and large events in MediaCityUK.

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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Arts

Lyric Theatre 

Lowry

A vibrant, historic events hall in Manchester for up to 1,300 guests, featuring a dance floor and bar.

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

A versatile theatre in an old industrial unit, hosting diverse performances and community events.

“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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The Empty Space

A versatile standing room in a historic chapel venue, ideal for music gigs, corporate events, and private parties.

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

A versatile large space in a church, ideal for gigs, rehearsals, performances, and art exhibitions.

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.

Performance Venues

Trending Performance Venues in Manchester

!Audacious Conferencing

The Bridgewater Hall

Victoria Warehouse

Gorilla

Contact Theatre

The Empty Space

The Deaf Institute

Lowry