Co-op Backstage

Co-op Live

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  • From £5000
  • 700 Reception
  • Etihad Campus Metrolink
  • From £5000
  • 700 Reception
  • Etihad Campus Metrolink
The UK's largest purpose-built arena with unmatched capacity and state-of-the-art facilities in Manchester's premier entertainment district.
Bonnie Gunter
Bonnie Gunter

Venue Expert @ Hire Space

  • Dedicated event management team
  • Zero waste to landfill sustainability credentials
  • 100% green electricity and 6,000+ solar panels
  • The Bowl arena accommodates up to 20,000 attendees
  • State-of-the-art AV systems with large screens and professional sound
  • Multiple flexible spaces across 3 levels
  • On-site catering from Rhubarb Hospitality Collection

When you are looking for 'something different' Co-op Backstage delivers! Located on the first floor with its own dedicated entrance, the space can be used for a variety of events. Whether it is 700 standing or up to 140 seated for dinner, you can create a corporate dining event or a private celebration- the choice is yours.




Frequently asked questions

The Bowl venue hire starts at £70,000 + VAT per day, with some quotes showing £100,000 + VAT per day depending on the event requirements. This is the base venue hire cost before any additional services, catering, or equipment.

The Bowl is designed for large-scale events requiring significant capacity, typically accommodating events with thousands of attendees. It's suitable for conferences, corporate events, concerts, and award ceremonies that need substantial space and staging capabilities.

Yes, setup days incur additional charges. A setup day for The Bowl and Vertu Place costs £30,000 + VAT, which is separate from the main event day hire fees.

Conference catering including arrival pastries, 3 tea/coffee servings, and sandwich lunch costs £30 per person + VAT. For drinks receptions, canapes (choice of 3) cost £17 per person + VAT, and a 2-hour unlimited drinks package costs £33 per person + VAT.

Event availability depends on the venue's concert schedule, as confirmed shows take priority. Some dates may be unavailable due to existing concert bookings, so early enquiry is essential to secure preferred dates.

The venue offers in-house AV capabilities including screens, PA systems, microphones (lapel and handheld), projectors, and staging. Specific technical requirements and associated costs should be discussed based on individual event needs.

While no specific minimum is stated, The Bowl is positioned for large-scale events with thousands of attendees. Events with smaller guest counts may not be cost-effective given the minimum £70,000-£100,000 + VAT venue hire fee.

Vertu Place is available as an additional space and can be hired alongside The Bowl for setup days or extended event requirements. The venue offers multiple flexible spaces across 3 levels to accommodate various event components.

Events can start as early as 07:00, with some enquiries showing events running from 08:00-23:59. The venue appears flexible with timing, though specific time restrictions may apply depending on the event type and other bookings.

The venue requires early enquiry due to high demand and concert schedule conflicts. Specific booking procedures, deposit requirements, and payment timelines should be confirmed directly with the events team during the initial enquiry process.




More about Co-op Live

Co-op Live is more than the UK's largest purpose-built arena - it's Manchester's premium destination for unforgettable events. With 5 unique, flexible spaces across 3 levels, we cater to everything from private dinners & brand activations to conferences & large-scale celebrations from 50 - 20k attendees. Designed with state-of-the-art AV, exceptional acoustics & powered by world-class hospitality from Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, every event is elevated with premium service & atmosphere. Sustainability is at our core, with zero waste to landfill, 100% green electricity & 6k+ solar panels.