Weddings at Lowry

A modern, private event space with stunning views and a balcony. Ideal for weddings and receptions.

From: £1250 per person

Capacity: Up to 180 guests

Events at Norton Grange Hotel

From: £337.5 per person

Capacity: Up to 220 guests

Weddings at Manchester Art Gallery

A contemporary atrium in a renowned art gallery, ideal for stylish dinners and wedding receptions.

From: £695 per person

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Business at The Bridgewater Hall

A spacious, well-equipped conference room in Manchester's iconic concert venue. Seats up to 160.

From: £1995 per person

Capacity: Up to 180 guests

Events at Imperial War Museum North

Iconic venue near Manchester for private events, dinners, and receptions. Seats 100, stands 150.

From: £39.95 per person

Capacity: Up to 146 guests

Events at People's History Museum

A stunning Edwardian hall with ornate features, ideal for flexible events and exhibitions.

From: £1620 per person

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Events at fivefourstudios

A large, versatile studio with infinity cove and skylights. Ideal for diverse events and shoots.

From: £750 per person

Capacity: Up to 120 guests

Business at Seashell Trust

A versatile venue with modern facilities for various events, supporting a charity for complex needs.

From: £400 per person

Capacity: Up to 220 guests

Business at The Lowry Hotel

A spacious ballroom with river views, ideal for conferences and receptions up to 600 guests.

From: £45 per person

Capacity: Up to 150 guests

Are dry hire venues in Manchester required to have disabled access?

Under the Equality Act 2010, all public venues must provide step-free entry and accessible toilets. Many offer portable ramps (£50–£150) and hearing-loop kits on request at extra cost. Always verify access features in advance.

Does dry hire include tables and chairs?

Most dry hire spaces provide the empty shell only. About 80% of mid-range venues can offer basic folding chairs (£2–£5 each) and trestle tables (£5–£10 each) as paid add-ons. Always confirm included fixtures in your contract.

How much is the minimum spend for a dry hire venue in Manchester?

Most dry hire venues set a minimum spend rather than a flat fee. Expect midweek minimums of £1,200–£2,500 inc VAT for an 8-hour hire; weekend rates can rise by 20–30%. Always clarify if catering charges count towards this threshold.

How do I coordinate deliveries for a dry hire event in Manchester?

Book loading-bay slots with venue and Manchester City Council 2–3 weeks in advance. Allocate one hour per vehicle, provide vehicle registration and contact details. Confirm arrival windows with caterers and AV crews to avoid loading-bay clashes.

What does a dry hire package typically cover?

A standard dry hire covers venue access (8–12 hrs), power distribution, Wi-Fi, toilets and loading bay use. It excludes catering, furniture, staffing and décor. Optional extras—AV rigs, bars or cloakrooms—are charged separately.

How far in advance should I book a dry hire venue for 100 guests?

In Manchester’s busy market, book 3–6 months in advance for standard warehouses. For popular city-centre spaces or weekends, secure a 6–12-month lead time. Typical deposit is 25% of the hire fee.

What is a reasonable budget per head for dry hire venues in Manchester?

Dry hire fees typically range from £10–£20 per head (venue shell only). Add external catering at £30–£50pp for buffet or hot fork. Total spend per guest sits between £40–£70. Midweek hires often secure lower rates than weekends.

How much space is needed for 100 guests standing?

For a standing reception, plan 0.5 sqm per guest – minimum 50 sqm. To accommodate bars, catering stations and informal seating, budget 80–100 sqm total. Confirm aisle widths of 1.2 m for safety compliance.

How much floor area is needed for 100 seated guests?

For a banquet layout, allocate 1.2 sqm per person – minimum 120 sqm. Add 25% extra for staging, AV desks and circulation, totalling around 150 sqm. Always confirm load-bearing capacity and ceiling height (4 m+).

What local transport links serve Manchester city centre dry hire spaces?

Key stops: St Peter’s Square tram (5 min walk), Exchange Square tram (7 min), Piccadilly station (1 mile), Oxford Road station (1.2 miles). Major bus routes run along Deansgate and Princess Street. Nearest car parks: NCP Manchester Arndale, Q-Park Oxford Road (< 400 m).