FAQs

Where do I start?

If you’re part of a society, hall, campaign or individual, and thinking of putting on an event, feel free to:

  • Send us an email on events.su@manchester.ac.uk with whatever you’re planning, no matter how big or small!
  • Fill in the Student Events Proposal Form click here which we’ll review and then get in touch.
  • Come and meet the team by dropping in on Mondays & Wednesdays 2-4pm in the Student Activities Office on the 1st Floor of the SU.

What kind of events can you support on?

We can support and advise on any kind of event. Last year we helped out on campaigns, exhibitions, dinners, dance nights, fairs, club nights, performances, gigs, conferences, cultural events, food events, awards night and fashion events!

When should I start planning my event?

As early as possible! It does depend on the type of the event, but getting ahead of the game never hurt anyone. Please note we can usually only book Academy Venues 4-6 Weeks in advance, as before this point the Manchester Academy team have priority on external venue bookings.

How much will it cost?

Hiring the venue itself is free. However, there are various costs that you may have to cover, including security, bar costs, equipment hire, technology staffing, medics, which we can advise on.

Which venues can I use in the SU?

By working with us, you can gain access to using the various professional Manchester Academy Venues, The Theatre, as well as the Exhibition Space. If you’re interested in using an external venue or other space, please still get in touch, we’d love to help out!

Do I need to Risk Assess my event?

Yes! Once we know the event is going ahead, we’ll ask you to risk assess your event, before reviewing the risk assessment and suggesting any necessary changes.

How do I book a venue?

If you fill out the Student Events Proposal Form, we can then look into the availability of the venue and find out whether it is available for you. Please note we can usually only book Academy Venues 4-6 Weeks in advance, as before this point the Manchester Academy team have priority on booking venues.

Is there any training available?

There is training in person at various times during the year, as well as an online Info Pack, both of which are available here.
Can we operate the sound and lighting equipment in the Manchester Academy Venues ourselves?
No, the professional standard equipment must be operated by freelance staff we hire in. However, there are some free alternatives that might work if you do not have a large budget.

Can I have an external speaker at my event?

If you would like a visiting external speaker or presentation delivered by someone who is not a University of Manchester student then you will have to fill out this Visiting Speaker Form at least three weeks in advance of your event.

What will help the event run smoothly?

There are loads of things that you can do in advance to ensure events run as smoothly as possible. For example, make a floor or stage plan, create an event schedule, organise volunteers to help set up and set down, risk assess your event, sell tickets in advance.

I want food at my event, is there anything I should be aware of?

If your event is going to have food, there are various things you will have to do to ensure legal compliance.

If you are hiring an external caterer, they will need to provide Public Liability Insurance, PAT Tests for any electrical equipment, Food Hygiene Certificates and have any allergens in the food visible on the day.

If you are making your own food, you will need to complete food hygiene qualifications (takes around 40 minutes online here for free, to have PAT Tests for any electrical equipment, as well as to have any allergens in the food visible on the day, template available here.

Can I have the bar open at my event?

You can have the bar open at the event, but there will be costs involved in doing so which we can give you when we meet to discuss the event. You cannot bring your own alcohol to the event or sell alcohol as this is illegal, however, the 532 Bar will usually be open for any attendees wishing to have a drink.

Mobile CSS

rrrrrr