Manchester Central

It was built in the 19th century as a railway terminus, then in the 1980s and 1990s it became a concert venue hosting many of the big names of the Madchester era. Now Manchester Central is the city’s main convention and events centre, and stages everything from comic cons to the Conservative Party Conference.

Their website tells you what’s on at Manchester Central over the coming months. Alongside the industry conventions and specialist trade shows, there are regular events for the general public such as travel shows and food and drink fairs. In the past it has hosted various Manchester International Festival shows including the immersive screening of Cillian Murphy’s film All of This Unreal Time in 2021.

As you’d expect from the name, Manchester Central is bang in the centre of the city with very easy access from St Peter’s Square and Deansgate station. The convenient location and variety of spaces for hire makes it a popular option for events organisers.

In addition to the 10,000sqm Central Hall, there is an 800-seat auditorium, plus a range of medium-sized spaces and smaller meeting rooms. The complex also has its own broadcast-quality production studio for pre-recording and live-streaming events.