Events at Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel

A spacious, versatile event suite in a modern hotel, ideal for large conferences and corporate events.

From: £30 per person

Capacity: Up to 1000 guests

Business at Hilton Deansgate

A vast, pillar-free suite in a central hotel, ideal for large conferences, weddings, and events.

From: £500 per person

Capacity: Up to 600 guests

Events at Manchester Central

A versatile, modern event space in a historic venue. Ideal for conferences, exhibitions, and functions.

From: £2000 per person

Capacity: Up to 1500 guests

Events at The Sheridan

A versatile, large event space in Manchester for up to 1,200 guests with extensive facilities and catering.

From: £15000 per person

Capacity: Up to 1200 guests

Business at King's House Conference Centre

A versatile auditorium with stage, breakout spaces, and high-tech facilities in central Manchester.

From: £1700 per person

Capacity: Up to 400 guests

What is the estimated catering budget per head for 300 guests in Manchester?

Buffet catering typically costs £30–£60 per person; a three-course plated menu is £60–£100 per head. Include service staff (10 – 12 % of food bill), glassware hire (£1–£2 per person) and VAT.

How does dry hire differ from full-service venue hire for 300 guests?

Dry hire supplies an empty space only; you arrange catering, furniture, AV, staffing and décor. Full-service hire bundles venue hire with in-house catering, furniture, bar service and technical staff for a single fee.

Are noise restrictions enforced for large dry hire events in Manchester?

Yes. After 10 pm noise levels must not exceed 55 dB in residential areas. You’ll need an event licence from Manchester City Council and may install decibel limiters on PA systems to comply.

What insurance cover do I need for a dry hire event with 300 attendees?

Obtain public liability cover of at least £5 million, employers’ liability if you hire staff, and equipment insurance covering hired AV and staging. Confirm your policy covers third-party damage and bodily injury.

How much does dry hire of a 300-capacity venue in Manchester cost?

Expect to pay £3,000–£8,000 for a weekday (Mon–Thurs) hire and £5,000–£12,000 for weekends (Fri–Sat). Prices vary by location and specification – central venues at the top end, outskirts venues at the lower end.

Which areas in Manchester offer the best transport links for a 300-person dry hire event?

City centre near Piccadilly and Deansgate stations offers Metrolink, national rail and 20+ bus routes within a 10-minute walk. Salford Quays provides tram stops and coach parking; Ancoats has direct buses to Ring Road networks.

What loading access should I check for a 300-person dry hire venue?

Confirm a dedicated loading bay with level access or dock height, minimum 3.5 m door width, 24-hour access, on-site forklift or pallet truck availability, and parking for two 7.5 t vans within 20 m of the entrance.

How far in advance should I book a dry hire venue for 300 guests in Manchester?

For peak dates (Friday–Saturday) book 9–12 months ahead; for midweek events aim for 6–9 months. This lead time secures your preferred space, AV suppliers and catering slots, giving you flexibility on layout and pricing.

How many toilets are required for a 300-person event in Manchester?

UK guidance recommends one WC per 30 women (10 cubicles) and one WC or urinal per 50 men (6 urinals or a mix). Provide at least two accessible units and ensure all are within 30 m of the furthest guest.

What technical facilities are essential for dry hiring a 300-capacity venue?

Ensure at least 100 A three-phase power, rigging points with load ratings, PA system input, professional lighting bars, wired and wireless microphone feeds, high-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated broadband port.

How many square metres of floor space are needed for 300 people?

Allocate 1 m² per person for standing receptions (300 m²) and 1.5 m² per person for seated banquets (450 m²). Allow an extra 10 % for circulation, staging and buffet areas – total required: 330 – 495 m².

What fire safety provisions are mandatory for a 300-person dry hire event?

Provide a minimum of five fire exits with clear signage, emergency lighting, a fire-alarm system with zone panels, portable extinguishers (CO₂ and foam) every 50 m, and a written evacuation plan shared with all staff.