Business at The Midland Hotel

A luxurious conference suite in an iconic Manchester hotel, ideal for meetings and events.

From: £100 per person

Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Business at Lowry

A versatile event space with quayside views, natural light, and a vibrant atmosphere for conferences and corporate events.

From: £450 per person

Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Events at Courts Club

Cozy karaoke huts for up to 10, perfect for intimate parties and team-building in a festive setting.

From: £200 per person

Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Events at Dog Bowl

A New York-style bowling alley with arcade games, bar, and diner. Ideal for private events.

From: £5000 per person

Capacity: Up to 180 guests

Dining at The Shack NQ

A lively ground floor bar with booth seating, TVs for sports, and games available for private hire.

From: £500 per person

Capacity: Up to 110 guests

Business at The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

From: £32 per person

Capacity: Up to 120 guests

Business at Imperial War Museum North

A unique gallery with a suspended Harrier Jet, ideal for receptions, launches, and dinners for 120.

From: £1200 per person

Capacity: Up to 320 guests

Business at The Lowry Hotel

A spacious pre-function area with river views, ideal for receptions and refreshments.

From: £45 per person

Capacity: Up to 110 guests

Weddings at fivefourstudios

From: £600 per person

Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Dining at Malmaison, Manchester

From: £200 per person

Capacity: Up to 70 guests

How far are central Manchester away day venues from Piccadilly Station?

Most central Manchester away day venues lie within 800 m of Piccadilly Station, equating to a 5–10 minute walk. Venues around St Peter’s Square and Deansgate are typically 600–700 m (7–9 minutes) on foot, providing easy access for 50 delegates via rail and Metrolink trams.

How large should the event space be to accommodate 50 delegates with breakout areas?

Allocate at least 150–200 sqm of flexible space for 50 delegates: about 75 sqm for main theatre seating (2 sqm per person) and an additional 75–125 sqm divided into 3–4 breakout rooms (20–30 sqm each). This ensures comfortable seating, circulation and workshop zones.

How much deposit is typically required to secure an away day venue for 50 in Manchester?

Venues generally require a 10–20% deposit of the estimated total cost to secure a 50-delegate away day. With day delegate rates at £80–£150 per head, expect to pay a deposit of around £400–£1,500 when booking. The remainder is usually due 2–4 weeks before the event.

What is the minimum lead time to book an away day venue for 50 in Manchester?

Most corporate venues require an 8–12 week lead time for a 50-person booking in Manchester. For peak midweek slots (Wed–Fri), allow 16–20 weeks, especially if you need bespoke AV setups and bespoke catering. Pay a 10–20% deposit to hold your date and confirm final numbers at least 4 weeks before the event.

Do I need public liability insurance for a 50-person away day in Manchester?

Yes. Venues typically require the hiring party to hold public liability insurance with a minimum £5 million cover for corporate away days. This protects against personal injury and property damage claims. If you don’t have a corporate policy, insurers offer single-event cover from around £80–£120.

What AV equipment is essential for a 50-person away day in Manchester?

Ensure a 50-person away day has: a 5,000–6,000 lumen projector with 2×2 m screen, dual wireless microphones and PA system, high-speed Wi-Fi (50 Mbps+), three flipcharts with markers, HDMI/VGA inputs, plus an on-site technician (1 tech per 25 delegates) for seamless operation.

How many breakout rooms should I request for a 50-person away day?

Plan for 3–4 separate breakout spaces for a 50-delegate away day, allotting one room per 12–15 attendees. Each space should be 20–30 sqm to fit 10–15 people in cabaret or theatre style. This ensures parallel workshops run smoothly and reduces scheduling bottlenecks.

What is a realistic budget range per person for a one-day away day in Manchester?

Budget £80–£150 per delegate for a one-day away day in Manchester city centre. This typically covers a fully equipped room, standard AV package, buffet lunch and two coffee breaks. For venues just outside the core, you may secure similar facilities from £70–£120 per head.

What's the average minimum spend for a full-day away day for 50 in Manchester?

Full-day hire for 50 delegates in central Manchester usually carries a minimum spend of £4,000–£7,500 (excl. VAT), equivalent to a £80–£150 per head rate. This typically covers room hire, standard AV, a buffet lunch and two coffee breaks on weekdays; peak dates may push minimums to the higher end.

How many parking spaces should I expect to find at a city centre venue for 50 delegates?

City centre away day venues often offer 20–30 on-site parking bays. For 50 delegates, confirm at least 20 spaces and supplement with nearby multi-storey car parks (200+ spaces) within 200 m, charging £10–£20 per car for a full day.