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

Mary Lou Lawless-Gill's Goof City, courtesy of Unitom.

Until 11 Jul

ExhibitionsCastlefield

Mary Lou Lawless-Gill: Goof City at UNITOM Projects

One of Manchester’s essential indie bookshops launches its new gallery with an emerging painter working in the shadow of the Beat Generation.

Free entry

Father and daughter looking at a sundial display in Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos

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

Boy playing retro arcade games in Power Up.

Until 10 Sep 2027

FamiliesCastlefield

Power Up at the Science and Industry Museum

From Mario to Sonic and Pong to Fortnite, play your way through five decades of the best video games. Fun and educational. Win-win.

From £18.00

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

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

The cast of It's a Sin dance in a club like setting in bright glittery clothes.

16 Feb – 27 Feb 2027

DanceManchester

It’s a Sin at Aviva Studios

Just announced – Rambert brings Russell T Davies’ acclaimed drama It’s a Sin to the stage, premiering at Aviva Studios before a major UK tour.

From £10.00

A black-and-white image of Ai Weiwei sitting upright on a small stool in a sparse, cell-like room. He faces the camera with his hands resting on his knees. Behind him is a white brick wall, and to his right there is a simple metal bed frame with a thin mattress. The lighting is stark, casting strong shadows on the wall and floor, giving the scene a stark, surveillance-like atmosphere

3 Jul – 4 Jul

Visual ArtsCity Centre

Ai Weiwei: Sewing a Button at Aviva Studios

In a live, 24-hour performance, Ai Weiwei will place himself back inside a room that once governed every aspect of his daily life.

From £10.00

Until 2 Nov

ExhibitionsCity Centre

On The Line at People’s History Museum

In the centenary year of the 1926 General Strike, People’s History Museum traces a century of industrial action and collective resistance.

Free entry

See all events

Where to go near Versa Manchester Studios

Castlefield

Restaurant

Trading Route

Trading Route serves up time-honoured Sunday grub, in a modern Manchester setting. Worth a visit for the expertly-curated soundtrack alone.

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.

Manchester

Restaurant

Louis Restaurant

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

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

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

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.

Blue triangles with white clouds on them against a beige backdrop. A gold sun is in the middle.

Exhibitions

Five exhibitions worth your time this month - and between them, a lot of ground covered.

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.

Music

From drone metal to art pop, free festivals to gigs in museums, here's one of our more eclectic music updates.

Theatre

Community, memory, technology and love collide in this month's selection of thought-provoking theatre.

Food and Drink in the North

There’s been lamb, there’s been champagne, there’s been okra. Look at what you could have eaten, then plan the next few weeks accordingly.

Tours and Activities in the North

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