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Top Small Music Venues in Manchester
Small music venues in Manchester offer a one-of-a-kind setting for your next gig, band practice, or album launch event. Equipped with top-notch backline equipment and sound systems, these venues provide an intimate and immersive experience for both performers and audience members. Browse our wide range of options, which includes underground clubs in the Northern Quarter and indie pubs on Oxford Road, each with a distinct vibe and atmosphere that will enhance your music. Don't miss out on the opportunity to showcase your talent in one of the iconic small music venues in Manchester. Book on Tagvenue today!
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![Main Floor at Area Manchester in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £2000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityMain Floor
400 guestsArea ManchesterCity Centre, ManchesterBBeverley R.
“Sound technician and amenities were brilliant. Would recommend anyone to hire this venue” -
![Function Room at Simmons | Manchester in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityFunction Room
60 guestsSimmons | ManchesterCity Centre, Manchester
#Supervenue
BBethany S.
“The set up of the room! Speedy service of the bar! Easy sound system connection! Opening of the doors!” -
![Impossible Theatre at Impossible Bar and Theatre in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £2200
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityImpossible Theatre
400 guestsImpossible Bar and TheatreCity Centre, ManchesterDDisappointing
“Good space ideal for a private function Had control of our own music too which was good” -
![The Lodge at Deaf Institute in Manchester]()
from £1100
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Lodge
130 guestsDeaf InstituteManchesterThe Lodge is our main ground-floor space available for exclusive hire, which has been newly renovated to house a stage and tiered seating. This space is filled with characteristic decor and is perfect for a private party, -
![Half Venue at Simmons | Manchester in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityHalf Venue
200 guestsSimmons | ManchesterCity Centre, Manchester
#Supervenue
EEmily
“Was lovely to also have the outdoor space for the party complete with heaters for when it started to get cold.” -
![The Concert Hall at The Blues Kitchen Manchester in Castlefield, Manchester]()
from £5750
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityThe Concert Hall
500 guestsThe Blues Kitchen ManchesterCastlefield, ManchesterThe space also has a full stage and standard back line as well as a DJ booth and we can organise DJs or bands. You can also supply your own artists/musicians if you prefer, we just recommend us providing you with sound & -
![Basement Floor at Area Manchester in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £2000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityBasement Floor
150 guestsArea ManchesterCity Centre, ManchesterOur basement room is ideal for smaller, more personal events including birthday parties, small corporate team events or drinks receptions. Fitted with a full sound and lighting system and your own private bar, this floor -
![The Den at Deaf Institute in Manchester]()
from £500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Den
50 guestsDeaf InstituteManchesterGreat for smaller parties and private meetings. Could also be used for a breakout area or a green room. Very popular choice and our smallest room out of the three, but still has just as great character. -
![Theatre at North West Theatre Arts Company in Manchester]()
from £30
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityTheatre
84 guestsNorth West Theatre Arts CompanyManchesterPrimarily used for rehearsals and performances but can be adapted for your needs. The venue includes full length mirrors should you need them, amps and microphones, as well as a speaker system. -
![Music Hall at Deaf Institute in Manchester]()
from £2000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityMusic Hall
500 guestsDeaf InstituteManchesterThis hosts many of our big gig events and club nights. Which is also the largest space we have out of the three floors. -
![Venue at Gorilla in City Centre, Manchester]()
from £1000
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityVenue
550 guestsGorillaCity Centre, ManchesterThe music hall has recently been refurbished and has different areas available to hire. The Gorilla team are amazing to, making Gorilla a brilliant choice for an array of private events. -
![Airstream Caravan at The Blues Kitchen Manchester in Castlefield, Manchester]()
from £700
minimum spend / per afternoonCheck availabilityAirstream Caravan
25 guestsThe Blues Kitchen ManchesterCastlefield, ManchesterServing up hearty Texan BBQ and Blues Music, The Blues Kitchen brings a touch of Southern soul to Manchester! We can host all kind of parties at The Blues Kitchen.
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Discover Exciting Bars with Live Music
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“Beautiful venue the barmen were great and we was looked after well!”
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“The room is ambient and quirky. The bar staff were fabulous and the food was so good for a buffet.”
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“Everyone complimented the food. Perfect sized bar for 60-70 people.”
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“Amazing venue, really attentive staff. The lady working the bar was fab!”
Browse Restaurants Offering Live Music in Manchester
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“We are already looking at booking the next Member meet up drinks back there in Manchester.”
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“Again and again and again. Had the terrace space to ourselves and was very well looked after by the staff.”
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“The room was beautifully decorated and was the perfect size for us to do a few party games and socialise.”
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FAQs about Top Small Music Venues in Manchester
In Manchester, prices of small music venues average £1500 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Manchester, based on Tagvenue data:
| From £1000 | to £2200 | minimum spend per event |
| From £500 | to £2700 | hire fee per day |
| From £250 | to £2500 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
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The Lodge at Deaf Institute in Manchester - rated 4.9/5
Venue said: This space is filled with characteristic decor and is perfect for a private party, filming, business events, comedy nights or a small wedding reception. -
Main Floor at Area Manchester in City Centre - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Would recommend anyone to hire this venue...’ -
Function Room at Simmons | Manchester in City Centre - rated 4.7/5
Our user said: ‘The set up of the room! Speedy service of the bar! Easy sound system connection!’
Several small music venues in Manchester offer in-house sound engineers and lighting technicians for an additional fee. Others might have basic equipment you can operate yourself or might allow you to bring in your own crew. However, having technical staff on-site is a huge plus! Knowing that the technical details are in good hands allows you to concentrate more on the performance or presentation. So, when contacting venues, don't hesitate to ask about their standard inclusions in the hire fee and any additional technical support options.
Stage setups at Manchester's small music halls come in all shapes and sizes! Many gig venues, including Fusion Creative Studios in Altrincham, offer a basic raised platform stage, perfect for smaller bands or acoustic acts. Some might have more elaborate setups with lighting rigs and sound systems already in place. On the other hand, you can also find black box venues or studio-like spaces such as The Loft & Bar at fivefourstudios in Salford that allow for more flexibility in staging and production design. To have a better idea of the typical stage configuration of the venue, we recommend browsing its website or social media pages for pictures or videos of past events. If you have specific needs, like space for larger equipment or a projector screen, be sure to discuss them with the venue beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your vision!
