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Since 1986, the venue has been at the heart of Manchester's events scene, welcoming everyone from global leaders and buzzing conventions to cultural milestones and unforgettable live moments. To kick off our anniversary celebration, here’s a whistle-stop tour through our story so far, with highlights from four decades as a world-class events destination.
In 1986, Factory Records hosted their ‘Festival of the Tenth Summer’, celebrating the 10th anniversary of punk in the city, with appearances by the Smiths and New Order.
G-MEX became Manchester’s go-to music hub, hosting huge concerts until the opening of the Manchester Arena, shifting the city’s music landscape.
In 2001, the Exchange Building was added to the original venue, expanding the conference offering with greater capacity and facilities.
The venue was chosen as the 2002 Commonwealth Games venue for gymnastics, weightlifting, judo and wrestling.
2007 saw G-MEX rebrand to Manchester Central Convention Complex, reconnecting with the building's heritage. Over the following three years, the venue was fully modernised, adding new foyer space, refurbished meeting rooms and expanded facilities, helping it to compete on the global events stage.
In 2011 we welcomed BIBA (British Insurance Brookers’ Association) to the venue for the first time. This event has been hosted with us since 2014, seeing considerable growth year on year.
Showing the venues versatility, Manchester Central has been used as a filming location for a range of TV dramas and shows including playing host to ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK, and the 2012 X Factor final, broadcast to over 12.5million viewers live, marking the first time the show’s finale was held outside London.
2017 marked 10 years since our biggest rebrand, and the venue celebrated alongside longstanding partners and headline events recognising our place in culture and sector communities.
Adding to the venue's varied history, in March 2020, Manchester Central was repurposed as the NHS Nightingale North West hospital for just over 12 months to help support the NHS during the pandemic.
The venue officially re-opened for events in June 2021, welcoming the Manchester International Festival.
Once back to doing what we do best, we have welcomed a host of new events, including HYROX, who hosted their debut in the city in 2022 and have since returned in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026!
Nearly half a million delegates across 156 events walked through our doors in 2023, showcasing the enthusiasm delegates had for returning to live events.
The recent addition of Junction, our bar, restaurant, café and workspace, has expanded our offer for organisers, delegates and the local community.
#40YearsOfEvents
For 40 years, we’ve been proud to be a part of event moments that shaped this city, growing alongside Manchester as it evolved into one of the UK’s most exciting event destinations. Together, we’ve created experiences that have driven impact, connection and opportunity across the region.
Now we’d love to see Manchester Central through your eyes. Share your memories, milestones and standout moments, tag us on social and use #40YearsOfEvents so we can celebrate them with you.
As we look ahead to the next 40 years, we’ll be sharing the very best of Manchester Central throughout the year, so follow us across our social channels and watch it unfold.
