An iconic venue in Manchester, IWM North offers a range of spaces for your party or corporate event.

Purpose-built to tell the powerful stories of over a century of war, Imperial War Museum North makes full use of its extraordinary exhibition space to deliver an award-winning immersive experience.

This is a place where every object on display, every contemporary work of art and every exhibition is designed to live long in the memory.

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Cafe at IWM North

We are proud to deliver outstanding events and catering provisions at this unique venue including IWM North Cafe. The contemporary cafe offers the best of British seasonal fare alongside tempting treats, barista-made coffee and refreshing beverages.

We believe that the cornerstone of good food is the quality of the ingredients. Our chefs value the importance of fresh, carefully sourced ingredients and really appreciate the abundance of quality produce Britain has to offer.

To contact our venue:

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Christmas Celebrations

Discover a Christmas celebration with a touch of Venetian elegance at IWM North. This year’s Palazzo-inspired events bring festive dining, entertainment and immersive surroundings together in one of Manchester’s most distinctive venues. Create your perfect celebration with our dedicated events team and secure your preferred 2026 date.

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Summer Events

Kick off the summer in style at IWM North, Manchester. Start with arrival drinks on the quayside, soaking up the riverside sunshine and relaxed festival vibes, before moving inside to enjoy a lively evening of celebration. Festival-inspired backdrops, a live DJ soundtrack and a summer BBQ buffet set the tone for a fun, social and unforgettable event. Exclusive hire and flexible packages let you tailor your summer party to your agenda and guest numbers.

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Meetings and Conferences

IWM North is a truly a unique event space for both corporate and private functions.

The WaterShard provides dedicated private event spaces with state of the art AV technology, air conditioning and stunning views of The Quays and MediaCityUK. The flexible spaces offer a range of options for daytime meetings for 2 to 120 delegates and can be used for evening networking or dinners for up to 100 guests.

As part of your event you can enjoy our latest major exhibition. Your guests can also view one of our award-winning big picture shows which play every hour on the hour.

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Dining and Receptions

If you're looking for a private dining or reception venue in Manchester that exudes an air of grandeur, look no further than IWM North.

The Main Exhibition Space is perfect for larger dinners for up to 300 guests. With its impressive high ceilings and immersive 360-degree Big Picture projection, this space is always a firm favourite. For something truly unique, the Harrier Jump Jet Area allows you to greet your guests beneath an iconic aircraft.

Thinking of hosting a smaller gathering? The WaterShard offers state-of-the-art AV technology and air conditioning. All spaces offer customisable layouts and lighting to suit your needs.

Capacities

  • 500

    Maximum capacity

  • 500

    Reception

  • 34

    Boardroom

  • 300

    Dinner

  • 80

    Cabaret

  • 1,000

    Al fresco events

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