Factory International

Venue hire

Explore a venue like no other.

Let's make history together

  • Audience watching Free Your Mind in the Hall

    Free Your Mind in the Hall at Aviva Studios. Photo by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International.

    Aviva Studios is a global destination for arts, music and culture. Born out of Manchester International Festival, at Aviva Studios, collaborate with the very best event, production and technical teams to bring your vision to life.

    Our spaces are without limits, whether you're looking for a spot for a product launch, brand activations to conferences, filming or fashion shows.

    In the heart of Manchester’s new and vibrant neighbourhood of St John’s, there’s no better place to put on a proper show.

    From our opening event directed by Danny Boyle to immersive exhibitions from legendary artists Yayoi Kusama and David Hockney to era-defining musicians like Johnny Marr, Fontaines D.C., Janelle Monáe and FKA twigs gracing our stage, you know you'll be in good company.

    To discuss a bespoke package for your event email us at venuehire@factoryinternational.org. If you're looking to book for a gig or concert, email music@factoryinternational.org.

Download our Brochure →

Our Spaces

At Aviva Studios, we're shapeshifters and explore the art of the possible.

With up to 13,200m2 of flexible indoor and outdoor space and room for up to 4,500 people, our spaces are without limits.

Four unique, flexible spaces are available for you to use in your own way. These can be hired individually or in combination to create large-scale, impactful events, with flexibility throughout.

Photo of the audience watching Free Your Mind in the Hall

The Law Family Hall

Capacity: up to 1,500

-A beautiful theatre and concert space, centred on flexibility

-Tiered seating that can be removed altogether

-Wheelchair access on all levels

-A supersized stage connects the Law Family Hall and the Warehouse so you can take your event to the next level

Dancers on the runway in Free Your Mind underneath lit up screens

The Warehouse

Capacity: up to 2,000

-The Warehouse is a space to make an impact - taller than four double-decker buses and longer than a passenger jet...

-Equipped with a universal technical grid, anchor points across the walls, a proscenium door and direct truck access.

-The only limit to this space is your imagination.

The Public Realm

Size: 2,100m2 of outdoor space

-Enjoy south-facing views to the River Irwell in this outdoor events space

-Ideal for hosting pop-up brand activations, experiential marketing campaigns, live music or markets

-The Undercroft, a covered external space with WiFI, enables activities to take place year-round

Photo of visitors sat down in the Social

The Social

-Weaving our space together is a network of social areas, including a ground-floor foyer under the arch of the Law Family Hall and Warehouse and a physical link to the adjacent Science and Industry Museum.

Our packages

If you’re looking for a location to wow your audiences, this is the place. Our team can work on a bespoke package for you, including:

  • Receptions & Dinners

    For a venue that inspires and awes, Aviva Studios is the place. Bring people together in one of our expansive spaces to celebrate.

  • Brand & Product Launches

    Make a splash at Aviva Studios with soaring spaces that flex to your needs, allowing you to host a launch like no other.

  • Brand Activation

    Brands come alive at Aviva Studios. In the heart of Manchester, you can count on reaching a whole mix of audiences here.

  • Location Filming

    If you are looking for a striking location for your next shoot, Aviva Studios is the place to bring your vision to life.

  • Conferences

    Share ideas, spark innovation, and inspire delegates by hosting a conference or exhibition in one of our soaring spaces.

  • Summer parties

    We love to party, so why not join us? Put on a party that your team won’t forget.

  • Fashion Events & Awards Ceremonies

    Our building pays homage to the city, and is a place to make a real statement.

  • Filming & Broadcast

    If you are looking for a striking location for your next shoot, Aviva Studios is the place to bring your vision to life.

See for yourself

Want to envision what our space can do for you? Check out our gallery below.

An image from David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), showing people in the exhibition seated and standing, surrounded by his artwork
1/9

David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), 2024. Aviva Studios, home of Factory International. Photo by Justin Sutcliffe.

A large yoga session in the Warehouse during MOVE Manchester. The lighting is blue. At the front is a stage with two large screens.
2/9

MOVE Manchester. January 2024. Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.

A blue laser display in the Warehouse during the Johnny Marr Orchestra. There is a huge crowd of people watching the performers.
3/9

A Night with the Johnny Marr Orchestra. December 2023. Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.

Photo of Angelique Kidjo performing on stage and audience watching
4/9

Angélique Kidjo performs at Aviva Studios home of Factory International as part of Manchester International Festival 2023 © Jody Hartley

Enter Atmosphere esports event with players on stage in the Hall, audience watching, and large screens displaying game and commentators.
5/9

Enter Atmosphere. October 2024. Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.

A skater outside Aviva Studios skating over an Adidas logo
6/9

Build Manchester. July – August 2024. Photo by Reece Leung.

Janelle Monae on stage at Aviva Studios
7/9

Janelle Monae on stage at Aviva Studios. Image: Joel Fildes

Photo of a busy crowd of people outside Aviva Studios on Festival Square during MIF23
8/9

Revellers enjoy the sun on Riverside Square

Film showing of 'Crossing' in the Hall. Two people are sat on stage for the Q&A in front of the big screen. The lighting is blue.
9/9

MUBI FEST Manchester. July 2024. Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.

Our clients

Logos for Amazon, Netflix, Volkswagen, adidas, MTV, DAZED, Paramount, MUBI, The Body Coach, BBC, Aviva, Glamour, Bentley, Fane and Dentsu
what they say ↓ 

  • “Factory International allowed us to achieve our vision with its combination of spaces and rustic industrial feel.”

    St Anne’s Hospice, Great Mancunian Ball

  • “Working with you guys was a dream.”

    MTV EMA

  • “It’s an exciting venue to work with and the scope for creative possibilities is unmatched in Manchester.”

    BIMM

Get ready to wow

Get in touch and discuss a bespoke package for your event at venuehire@factoryinternational.org.

If you're looking to book for a gig or concert, email music@factoryinternational.org.

Register your interest here →

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