Nik Shuliahin Rkfiie9pxh0 Unsplash

Step back in time

Make your next event one for the history books by hosting it at one of Manchester’s most unique venues, IWM North. Situated in Trafford Park, this quayside location was once home to munitions factories that supported the war effort during both World Wars.

Now an architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, commemorating a world divided by conflict, the venue tells the stories of how war has shaped communities and lives around the world. This eye-catching venue on Manchester’s waterfront offers a range of spaces for parties or corporate events. Whether it’s the Main Exhibition Space's centrepiece AV-8A Harrier jump-jet or the specialised WaterShard conference centre with its modern event spaces with AV technology, there’s a certain magic that only this historic venue can provide.

 

IWM event hire and catering is managed by Restaurant Associates. 

Why choose IWM North?

IWM North AV Tech

AV technology

and state-of-the-art facilities for first-class events.

IWM North Cocktails

Sip cocktails

beneath a Harrier jump jet.

IWM North Waterfront

Eye-catching architecture

and a picturesque setting on Manchester's waterfront.

IWM North Conference

Conference centre

purpose-built for large events and excellent experiences.

IWM North Wallpapers

360° digital wallpapers

to support your event, showcase your brand and to wow your guests.

The Cleveland Museum Of Art Qqltpeeygty Unsplash

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.

Iwm North Exterior Summer Event 46818248152 O
The Cleveland Museum Of Art Qqltpeeygty Unsplash

Character and convenience

Our spaces can be used as a blank canvas to accommodate any type of event. Whether you’re holding a small team meeting or searching for a large event venue in Manchester that can accommodate parties of up to 500, we’ve got a space to suit.

Dine beneath the wings of an AV-8A Harrier jump-jet or impress your guests with the Big Picture’s 360-degree cinematic backdrop. For daytime meetings or networking evenings, the WaterShard offers bright, modern rooms with state-of-the-art AV technology. And when the warmer months roll in, our Quayside is the perfect spot for cocktail parties, offering sweeping views over The Quays and MediaCityUK.

Harrier Area Iwm North 46818247902 O
Nik Shuliahin Rkfiie9pxh0 Unsplash

Events that spark curiosity

Having hosted a diverse range of incredible events, our team is well-placed to help you make the most out of this striking venue. Be it award ceremonies, Christmas work parties, or summer parties – we’ve likely done it before. But rest assured, each event we host is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Got big ideas for your next special occasion? Run your vision past one of our experienced event planners, and we can help fine-tune any details ahead of the big day.

Main Exhibition Space Iwm North Christmas 46818248162 O
Egor Myznik W3d1rg0w7yi Unsplash

Exceed expectations

As one of the most versatile event venues in Manchester, we can customise any event to your heart’s desire. Our tailored packages cover all the essentials for daytime and evening occasions, from delicious catering to technical support that ensures your event goes off without a hitch.

Make it an event to remember by granting your guests access to museum exhibitions or dazzle them with our 360-degree HD digital projection system. With flexible room layouts and custom lighting, we can tailor the space to bring your exact vision to life.

Watershard Event Space Iwm North 46818240432 O

Dive into history

If you’re looking for momentous event venues in Manchester or elsewhere in the UK, host it at one of the historic sites that make up the Imperial War Museums collection. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate affair or a lavish soirée, IWM’s venues offer the perfect backdrop, steeped in the history and stories of Britain’s wartime past.

Trusted nationwide

At IWM North, we believe every event should be as remarkable and inspiring as the history that surrounds us. Hear from our valued clients about why they consider us a winning choice for corporate event venues in Manchester.

  • In the lead up to the event, communications were frequent and clear - the staff were happy to accommodate any and all requests we made. On the day, staff also flexed some of the food and timings to support additional needs that were previously unknown. 

    The venue was clean and quiet, set up exactly as requested and the staff checked in at set intervals, to ensure we had what we needed. Overall the venue was great, the staff were superb and being able to explore the museum was a great added bonus!

    Team Building December 2025
  • The event went really well. The space was good for the working parts of the meeting and the team helped with extension cords when needed which was really appreciated! The social element also went really well. We had a lot of comments about the food and drinks and that it was lovely and the session achieved what we hoped it would. Thanks so much for your support with this. I'll certainly be recommending you for event spaces with the teams I work with.

    Team Away Day September 2025
  • Fantastic set up for our staff engagement event. It looked like a wedding. Particularly fabulous food. Will definitely book again.

    Team Away Day February 2026
  • IWMN team worked with us to make the event a success and provided good advice so everything ran smoothly. I would recommend using them for an event.

    Conference January 2026
  • The venue and events team made our conference shine. Nothing was too much trouble and all our needs were catered for.

    Conference October 2025
  • I hugely enjoyed working with the team at the Imperial War Museum North. We couldn’t have chosen a more unique and memorable events venue. The striking architecture set the tone but it was the digital wallpaper that truly delivered the wow factor. Immersive and powerful, it brought our event to life in the most extraordinary way. A standout venue in every sense.

    Conference and Reception July 2025
Museums Victoria Oygmigxv030 Unsplash

Chat to our team

Our team is ready to assist you in hosting a memorable event at one of Manchester's most spectacular event venues. Reach out to our team today, and we'll get started on making the occasion a standout success.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.