Manchester City Council

The Great Hall is a magnificent venue for receptions, award ceremonies and banquets. From its first glittering celebratory dinner commemorating the formal opening of the Town Hall in 1877, the Great Hall remains the perfect location for gala events.

The superb ceiling of the Great Hall is separated into panels bearing the arms of the principal countries and towns with which Manchester traded at the height of her mercantile power. While Ford Madox Brown's famous murals line the walls, each a work of art in its own right. The organ, by Cavaille-Coll of Paris, has more than 5,000 pipes, is some 16 feet tall, and designed so that the organist can face the audience from the stage.

Above the landing in front of the Great Hall is a glazed skylight on which are inscribed the names of Mayors, Lord Mayors and Chairs of the Council since Manchester received its Charter of Corporation in 1838. The landing area itself is known as "The Bees" as the mosaic floor features a pattern of bees, a symbol of Manchester's industry which is found on the City's coat of arms.

Located as it is within the gothic splendour of Manchester Town Hall, the magnificence of the Great Hall without doubt makes it a uniquely impressive and prestigious venue in which to hold an event.

A floorplan of The Great Hall can be viewed here

Room details

Floor Area 5000 sq.ft (464.5 sq.m)

Room Area L 100ft x W 50ft (30.48m x 15.24m)

• Dinner Dance 300
• Reception 500
• U-shape 80
• Theatre 500
• Classroom 200
• Lunch/Dinner 320
• Boardroom 60
  

If you would like further information concerning the suitability of The Great Hall for your event, please email our conference co-ordinators at conferenceoffice@manchester.gov.uk or telephone 0161 234 4343/Fax: 0161 234 3242