Hottest / Newest Event Spaces in the UK
When it comes to hosting events, the United Kingdom stands as an exquisite and versatile destination that promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. With its rich history, diverse culture and stunning landscapes, the UK has something to offer every event organiser and attendee. From vibrant cities steeped in tradition to picturesque countryside settings, this captivating nation provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
There are plenty of world class venues and incredible meeting spaces, from traditional to technologically groundbreaking, but what about new and fresh venues? In this blog we will explore why the UK is an exceptional choice for hosting your next event, and highlight some of the hottest new events spaces Blighty has to offer.
Factory International, Manchester
Situated next to the river in central Manchester, this gargantuan arts space (from the team behind Manchester International Festival) has been a very long time coming, having been almost 10 years since the idea was first proposed. With a budget of now over £200m, there is an awful lot invested in this game-changing venue, and the culture-loving people of Manchester should be very much invested in it too. Open since June 2023, with an auditorium, concert venue and arts space inside, Factory International has already kicked off the year with a laser show to celebrate its birth. This venue is sure to be hot on every event planner's list of go to venues in Manchester, and rightly so, we hope to be working within this incredible space very soon.
Sandbox VR, Holborn, London
Sandbox VR is your excuse to dress up as a futuristic paramilitary soldier and blast away at all numbers of virtual enemies. The globally successful format has washed up on the shores of Holborn and is already proving a hit. Inspired by Star Trek's Holodeck, using body tracking, sensor-packed weapons, visors and enough tactical gear to mount a small invasion, Sandbox VR is a game changer for London activity venues. Even better, you don't have to share your (cyber)space with the general public. Larger groups can hire out the venue exclusively and make further use of the meeting facilities, and catering options, all split over three floors. There is also a robot bartender. Yes, you read that right!
Frate, High Bridge, Newcastle
This hip new venue which opened last month in Newcastle city centre is right up Goho’s street! Constructed from recycled shipping containers, this open-air destination specialises in music and street food, with workshops and events including open cinema nights, record fairs, vintage clothing markets and yoga classes to name but a few. Attendees can expect to enjoy a variety of entertainment including live sports, DJ sets and live music as they tuck into street food including Mezze-style dishes and pizza slices in a fully-heated environment, and the decor is cool too, with the walls decorated with murals from street artists such as Mr Penfold.
The venue itself is perfect for hosting your event, with a full-sized bar and catering facilities on site, this great space is available to hire and could be a great option should you require a space in the North East of England.
Gravity MAX, Liverpool
The North West's biggest and newest rooftop venue Gravity MAX opens on 9th August, slap bang in the heart of Liverpool city centre. This awesome new rooftop venue brings a range of diverse and immersive entertainment including live music, sports screenings, augmented reality and a wide selection of food and drink offerings. Spread across two floors and covering 100,000 square feet, with a capacity of 2,500, Gravity MAX is ready to bring the fun to Liverpool.
Gravity MAX boasts a high-speed electric, multi-level E-karting track, augmented reality bowling, 9-holes of urban street golf, AR darts, ‘Hologate’ VR, an immersive game box, Esports arena, batting cages, Liverpool’s biggest pool hall, and several meeting spaces in what is sure to be one of the country's most epic new venues for events planners to get their teeth stuck into it.
Ocean Diva, Various pick-up points, Thames River, London
The hotly anticipated launch of the spectacular Ocean Diva has finally reached our shores, and opened in July 2023. The first carbon-neutral event vessel on the River Thames, SMART Group's latest offering is a revolutionary blank canvas venue which is perfect for all kinds of events from conferences to swanky parties. Able to accommodate up to 1,500 attendees over 3 sophisticated decks (each boasting incredible views across the City), this venue is set to seriously shake up the events game.
The vessel is available to pick up guests from London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Greenwich and ExCeL London, and is a great option for conferences, award ceremonies, parties, dinners...and anything else you can think of to be honest!
Bounce, Battersea Power Station, London
Following on from the success of Bounce locations in Farringdon and Old Street, the fun and interactive ping-pong bar that also caters to private events and parties, the company’s newest location sees the quirky event venue open premises in one of the hottest and most happening addresses in London, at the Battersea Power Station development.
Their brand-new Battersea venue which opens this month (August) is set in the original power station building, sprawling over 8,000 square feet and boasting 11 gaming areas, a cocktail bar and gourmet menus, helping to create the perfect package for your event, ideal for team building exercises, away days, parties and many more.
We have shone light on a few of the newest venues the UK has to offer, but if none quite tickle your fancy there are many other exciting venues to choose from, including BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (Gateshead), situated on the south bank of the River Tyne, a contemporary art centre offering unique event spaces for events and exhibitions. The Crystal in London, which is a sustainable events venue with state-of-the-art facilities, located in the Royal Docks area. Or how about The Brewery in London, a unique event space in the heart of the city offering a variety of rooms for different-sized gatherings.
Keep your eyes peeled because the Goho blog will be sure to keep you in the loop with any more advancements in amazing new venues on the horizon, and of course don’t be shy to get in touch with our team if you have any questions or queries in regard to planning your next event.
