Versa Manchester Studios

Creative Tourist Last Updated 14 March 2023

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Versa Manchester Studios

3 Goods Yard Street, Manchester, M3 3BG

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Formerly the Old Granada Studios, VERSA Manchester Studios is evolving into a dynamic Studio Campus with TV, Film, Motion Capture and VR / AR Studios alongside a glamorous new Soho House.

This summer, it will be play host to events taking part at Manchester International Festival, including a groundbreaking mixed-reality concert event created by legendary composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto in collaboration with Tin Drum.

What's on near Versa Manchester Studios

Work to prepare space suit replica for display in Horrible Science - Science Museum Group -Drew Forsyth

Until 3 Jan 2027

ExhibitionsCastlefield

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos at the Science and Industry Museum

This world-premiere exhibition offers a hands-on journey through the Solar System, making complex science tangible, playful and participatory.

From £10.00

Adults looking at Revolution Manchester display

12 Mar

ExhibitionsCastlefield

Power Hall: After Hours at Science and Industry Museum

Celebrate the energy that sparked a revolution at the Science and Industry Museum’s adults-only after-hours event with live music and interactive games.

From £5.00

19 Sep

TourManchester

The Railway Age Begins: An Anniversary Tour

In 1830, the world’s first fully operational, steam-powered passenger railway opened between Liverpool and Manchester. Take a closer look at this breakthrough moment.

From £20.00

27 Mar

MusicManchester

Thundercat at Aviva Studios

From cult hero to global collaborator, Thundercat is back with his first album in six years, and a headline show at Aviva Studios.

From £37.50

Group of people line dancing, following the steps of a single person on stage with a glittery backdrop.

25 Apr

DanceManchester

Street Symphony x Red Rodeo Club at Aviva Studios

This April at Aviva Studios, Manchester’s dancefloor gets a queer makeover with Street Symphony x Red Rodeo Club.

Free entry

Scene from a film, the living room, darkly lit. A man watching TV with another man chained up.

19 Mar

CinemaManchester

Manchester Film Festival 2026 – Opening Night at Aviva Studios

Manchester Film Festival returns with boundary-pushing independent cinema – opening with a double bill and Q&As featuring Kit Harington.

From £16.95

Black and white photograph of Sinéad O'Connor

25 Jun – 27 Jun

DanceManchester

The Surge: An Ode to Sinéad O’Connor at Aviva Studios

A major new dance work brings Sinéad O’Connor’s uncompromising voice back into the room, responding to a life lived against the grain.

From £10.00

Two young men performing on stage, dressed in Grunge attire.

29 Mar

CinemaCity Centre

Manchester Film Festival 2026 – Closing Night at Aviva Studios

Manchester Film Festival closes with James McAvoy’s directorial debut California Schemin’. And a post-show Q&A.

From £16.95

See all events

Where to go near Versa Manchester Studios

Manchester

Restaurant

Fenix

Modern Greek Mediterranean cuisine from the team behind Tattu.

Castlefield

Hotel

Great John Street Hotel

A converted Victorian school house nestled on the edge of Spinningfields, the Great John Street Hotel has a relaxed and decadent atmosphere.

Manchester

Café or Coffee Shop

Factory Square

Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.

Altrincham

Shop

IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Manchester

Hotel

Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel

The Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel is an elegant hotel with a restaurant to match. We try out the new Northern-themed brunch menu.

Manchester

Bar or Pub

Club Vino

Wine-tasting company ran by Italian sommelier and ex-wine merchant Marco Castelanelli. Offering at-home tasting experiences, along with special events in various high-end locations around Manchester.

Manchester

Gallery

Smolensky Gallery

This appointment-only gallery is a hidden gem in Manchester. Art lovers and collectors can browse many high quality pieces.

Manchester

Tourist Attraction

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience Manchester

Experience this TV classic for yourself. With four adventure zones, time crystals and vintage bomber jackets you too can take on the maze and try earn a place on the leader board.

Manchester

Cinema

Everyman Manchester St John’s

Experience luxury moviegoing at this three-screen boutique cinema and bar located close to Spinningfields.

Spinningfields

Restaurant

Bill’s Manchester

This family favourite has moved from John Dalton Street to its new home in Spinningfields, with a brand new look featuring modern decor teamed with vintage items sourced by Bill

Manchester

Restaurant

Louis Restaurant

A Rat Pack-style restaurant with of live music and upscale Italian-American dining, and strictly no phones.

Spinningfields

Restaurant

Wagamama

Wagamama’s home in Spinningfields serves up high-quality Japanese cuisine in modern surroundings.

See all places

Manchester District Guides

Oxford Road, Manchester

We cherrypick our favourite spots on Oxford Road, taking in unique theatres, characterful gig venues and fascinating museums.

Deansgate, Manchester

When you think of Deansgate, you might think about the long (seemingly endless) street that runs from the Manchester Cathedral all the way down to the Deansgate Towers. And you…

Outside Aviva Studios by the River Irwell

City Centre, Manchester

The heart of Manchester is packed full with history and stories. This industriousness is evident across the city centre, where proud heritage meets contemporary ambition, and a forward-looking mix of…

Ancoats & New Islington

Ancoats, just off the Northern Quarter in Manchester, is one of the city’s most increasingly desirable neighbourhoods. Find out why.

Northern Quarter, Manchester

Manchester’s most characterful, independent district is a jumbled network of streets to one side of Piccadilly Gardens. Here are the places you need to check out.

Salford, Greater Manchester

Cross over the River Irwell, and you’ll find yourself in another city entirely – Salford, which is enjoying something of a regeneration.

Didsbury, Manchester

Didsbury has the perfect split between big brands and independent businesses, welcoming all from far and wide.

Culture Guides

Food and Drink in the North

Spring has arrived, bringing with it Mother's Day, al fresco dining and a rush of high-profile food and drink-related events in Manchester.

Music

From underground festivals showcasing emerging talent to global icons unveiling new work, here are our latest live music highlights.

A pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.

Theatre

This month’s theatre highlights span dystopian classics, political thrillers and bold new opera.

Exhibitions

Across Manchester and Salford, exhibitions are thinking hard about how things are made – and how materials carry stories.

Tours and Activities in the North

Step away from the usual. Tours and activities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and offer something refreshingly different.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science

Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.