Booking process, fees and Market Rights
Booking process
You must complete an application form at least 28 days before your proposed date. We recommend that you apply as soon as you have a proposed date, as applications are considered on a first come first served basis.
- The application should detail the proposed event. You will be asked to confirm that the event management team will adhere to the conditions of use and confirm compliance with the relevant legislations.
- You must submit a copy of your Public Liability Insurance certificate, with a minimum cover of £10 million. Larger events may require a larger liability amount.
- Your application will be assessed and either be rejected, or approved in principle. If we reject your application, we will give feedback as to why it does not meet our criteria. If you then wish to resubmit an application, you should contact us to discuss.
- Once your application has been approved in principle, you will need to submit additional documents; including a risk assessment, site and event management plan (including running order of event, waste management plan and how your event will meet current health and safety regulations.) You will need to submit these additional documents within 14 days of the agreement in principle (and at least 14 days before the event), or your booking will be cancelled.
- When your additional documents have been approved, you will receive a letter of consent for your event. Your booking is not guaranteed until you have received this letter.
- You will receive an invoice for your event within 30 days of receiving your consent letter. All invoices must be paid within 30 days of receipt.
- In exceptional circumstances, we reserve the right to change the location or conditions of use for your event. You will be notified at the earliest opportunity of any changes, and - where possible - an alternative location will be offered.
Fees
A fee will be charged for all events in our city centre and parks spaces. Prices range from £800 - £1,600 per day, depending on the location. Reduced rates are available for bookings of more than two days and for Manchester businesses. To discuss prices for your event email the team at citycentrespacebookings@manchester.gov.uk.
- A discounted rate of £250 per day at selected sites is available to public sector, voluntary or charity organisations, subject to availability.
- Registered charities may apply for up to two days free per year in selected sites, subject to availability.
- Site fees do not include additional licensing costs. If you need a licence for your event, bollard access, parking suspension or road closures, you will need to apply for those separately and additional fees apply.
- You will be charged if any cleaning costs are incurred as a result of your event; you will be invoiced for both the cleaning and any additional administration.
- If your event requires support from Manchester City Council employees additional fees will be charged. You will be notified of these fees at the time of application.
- You will be liable for full reinstatement costs and any administrative fees for damage to public realm as a result of your event or activity. Reinstatement will be completed to our satisfaction. Public realm includes - but is not limited to - highways, street furniture, bollards, turf, paving, drainage, planters, and plants. We will inspect each site before and after events, and any damage incurred as a result of the event will be charged to the applicant.
- We reserve the right to waive or reduce fees if an event demonstrates significant benefit to the City of Manchester.
Market Rights
Manchester Markets (on behalf of Manchester City Council) manage the Market Rights for the City of Manchester. If you wish to host or operate a market or fair in Manchester, you must apply for a Markets Right Licence. Applications must be submitted at least 21 days in advance of any proposed event. Markets and Fairs will only be licensed once an application for a Markets Right License has been successful.