Hire Space
The Cotton Sheds

Victoria Warehouse

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  • From £12000
  • 3,500 Standing
  • Wharfside (Red Line)
  • From £12000
  • 3,500 Standing
  • Wharfside (Red Line)
Manchester's largest heritage cotton warehouse offers 4,533 sqm of pillar-free space with eight flexible areas under one roof.
Bonnie Gunter
Bonnie Gunter

Venue Expert @ Hire Space

  • Full venue branding opportunities throughout
  • Rigging capabilities for complex productions
  • Exclusive reception space and bar area
  • Coal Yard available for additional space
  • 4,533 sqm pillar-free space accommodates up to 5,000 guests
  • Eight separate areas with alphabetically labelled sheds for flexible layouts
  • Built-in staging, lighting rig and house audio system
  • VIP mezzanine level overlooking main floor
  • Backstage production offices and crew rooms
Draped head to toes 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. Built in 1925 as a cotton warehouse. The Cotton Sheds cover an incredible 4,533 sqm making them our largest and most dramatic event space. Each 'Shed' varies in size and layout, labelled alphabetically with areas that include a bar/reception and a VIP Mezzanine.

Frequently asked questions

Private event spaces require a minimum of 80 guests. If you have fewer than 80 guests, you may be interested in their shared party option instead.

Yes, you must use their in-house caterers for all events. You cannot bring in external catering providers or arrange your own food service.

The Cotton Sheds cost £10,000 + VAT plus mandatory security and can seat 1,000 theatre style. The Bays are £3,000 + VAT plus security for events with around 150 guests. The Basement spaces (Archives 2 and Cellars 2) cost £5,500 + VAT.

Security is mandatory for ticketed events and events with celebrities or notable talent that may draw public attention. The venue will provide a security quote once your event is confirmed, but you must factor this additional cost into your budget.

The Cotton Sheds include staging, house lighting rig, and house audio system. If you want to remove their house equipment and use your own design, there will be an additional fee on top of venue hire.

The venue can accommodate up to 1,000 guests in theatre style seating in the Cotton Sheds. Events requiring more than 1,000 guests cannot be accommodated at the venue.

During the Christmas period, there will be Christmas decorations throughout the venue that cannot be removed. This should be factored into your event planning if booking during this time.

Christmas party packages include welcome drink, private room and décor, DJ, and meal choice of either street food menu at £95 + VAT per person or 3-course menu at £100 + VAT per person (both require minimum 90 guests). Day catering packages cost £38.50 + VAT per person and include 3 tea/coffee breaks plus lunch.

The venue does not host certain styles of events, though specific restrictions are not detailed. You must send over your event brief for them to check suitability before proceeding with any booking.

For some events, you need to confirm by the next day to get a security quote and signed contract by Monday. The venue requires specific event details including timings, catering requirements, guest numbers, and whether the event is ticketed before providing quotes.

More about Victoria Warehouse

Victoria Warehouse is an event space like no other in the heart of Manchester. Our heritage in the cotton trade has been a symbol of strength and innovation in the city for more than a hundred years. Now, we're channelling that spirit into Manchester showmanship. The historic nature and unconventional surroundings of Victoria Warehouse have inspired Britain's greatest brands. Co-op, Topshop, Mini, Jaguar Landrover, Kellogg's and Manchester United have all chosen us to deliver an eclectic mix of sports and music shows, parties, gala dinners, conferences and meetings.