Venues for Awards Ceremonies in the UK

Companies host awards ceremonies for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of employees, teams, or partners. By acknowledging outstanding performance, companies reinforce a culture of excellence and motivate individuals to continue striving for success. Additionally, award ceremonies provide an opportunity to foster friendships and strengthen relationships within the organisation. They create a sense of unity and pride among employees, enhancing morale and job satisfaction. Furthermore, hosting an awards ceremony can boost the company’s reputation both internally and externally. It showcases the organisation’s commitment to recognising talent and excellence, which can attract top talent and enhance its brand image in the industry.  Awards ceremonies can also serve as valuable networking events, bringing together key stakeholders, clients, and industry leaders, thereby facilitating collaboration and partnership opportunities.

When you are planning an awards ceremony, first think about the location.  The venue has to be easily accessible to everyone attending.  Next, look at the size of the venue and the facilities.  Are you planning to have guests seated theatre style with a large stage for the awards team and winners, or would you prefer to host a gala dinner too?

In this article we are highlighting suitable venues in London, Manchester and Birmingham which can cater for either of the above:

London:

• Raffles London at the OWO – a brand new hotel with a stunning ballroom. Seated dinner for up to 600.
• Royal Albert Hall – a prestigious venue with very few dates available in a year for external events.  Plan at least 4 years ahead if you want to book.
• The Dorchester – the ballroom here can seat up to 500 and 1000 for a standing reception.
• Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel – accommodates up to 2000 for a gala dinner with stage.
• The Savoy – the Lancaster Ballroom can hold up to 380 seated and 700 for a standing reception.
• The Brewery – the Porter Tun is the largest space with a capacity for up to 700 seated for a gala dinner.
• Guildhall – 628 for a seated dinner and 900 reception style.
• The Landmark London – the Grand Ballroom holds up to 504 dining 750 reception style.
• The Roundhouse – enjoy fine dining for up to 850 guests here.
• The Shard – can only seat up to 90 for a dinner, but can accommodate up to 400 for a standing reception.  Offers stunning views!
• Indigo at the O2 – up to 540 for a gala dinner and 1800 for a standing reception.

Manchester:

• Manchester Central Convention Complex – Central Halls 1 & 2 combined have a massive capacity of up to 3,600 banqueting style and 10,800 for a standing reception.
• The Kimpton Clocktower Manchester – here the ballroom can hold up to 750 dining and 1000 for a standing reception.
• Victoria Warehouse – the famous Cotton Sheds has a capacity of 900 banqueting style and 2500 reception style.
• The Monastery Manchester – small in comparison to the previous venues, capacity for a dinner is 275 and 500 for a standing reception.
• Emirates Old Trafford – capacity at The Point for 850-1000 for a dinner, 1200 standing reception style.
• The Lowry Hotel – 220 for a seated dinner, 350 standing.
• The Bridgewater Hall – the Auditorium is perfect for an awards ceremony only without an accompanying dinner. 1,875 people can be accommodated theatre style with a large stage.
• The Albert Hall – the main hall can seat up to 320 for dinner, 1200 theatre style.

Birmingham:

• Birmingham Conference & Events Centre (BCEC)  – 415 for a seated dinner, 700 for a standing reception.
• The ICC Birmingham – Hall 3 is the largest space and can seat 1,910 for dinner and 3,200 reception style.
• The Vox Conference Centre – banquets for up to 850 can be accommodate here, theatre style 1000.
• The Belfry Hotel & Resort – seats 276 for a gala dinner, 400 theatre style and 450 standing.
• Birmingham Town Hall – dining for up to 275, with standing room for 900.
• Edgbaston Cricket Ground – 540 for dinner, 700 seated theatre style.
• The Library of Birmingham – book the Studio Theatre for 292 seated theatre style, or the Rotunda for up to 200 for a dinner or reception.
• Birmingham Botanical Gardens – The Garden Suite can seat 320 for a gala dinner, 350 theatre style and 500 for a standing reception.
• The Custard Factory – more of a blank canvas venue, capacity here is 280 cabaret, 400 theatre style and 400 for a standing reception.

Overall, hosting awards ceremonies is not just about honouring achievements; it’s about nurturing a positive company culture, inspiring continuous improvement, and fostering meaningful connections within and beyond the organisation.  By choosing your venue for an awards ceremony carefully, you will create a totally memorable event.