Parties and Functions FAQs

Due to the historic nature and configuration of The Parsonage, the venue is best suited to small informal parties, for adults. We do not host engagement parties or any under-25s parties. All charges quoted are for 2023/ 2024 as stated. Charges for 2025 are subject to revision.

When can I have my party here?

Bookings can be taken on days or evenings which do not clash with weekly classes or other bookings (usually Saturdays). During school term time, we can accommodate late afternoon/early evening parties; a later party may be possible, but it will depend on the date and what other events are scheduled. Parties are subject to a 22.00 curfew.

How much would it cost to have my party here?

Venue hire is £125 (2023)/£140 (2024) per hour during office hours, £180 (2023)/ £195 (2024) per hour after 17.00. Rooms can be hired at half the hourly rate for decorating: please consult us about decorations, and bear in mind there will be art exhibitions on in each room

Can I self-cater?

You can, but you will need to hire our Events Assistants, at a rate of £11 (2023) /£12 (2024) per person per hour. They are familiar with the building and its facilities, and will serve drinks, assist guests and clear up the venue afterwards.

If you are self-catering we would ask for a disclaimer that you take full responsibility for any accidents, spillage/damage or ill-health due to effects of food. Due to minimal facilities for rubbish and other waste, you will need to take all rubbish and/or recycling with you at the end of the event. Used crockery/cutlery etc cannot be left on the premises overnight.

What about glasses?

You can use our glasses free of charge. We have champagne flutes, wine glasses, tumblers and pint glasses. Events Assistants will wash these and put everything away at the end of your party.

What about music?

We have a CD/Bluetooth/USB music system, which you can use free of charge, or you can bring your own. If you are using our equipment we would advise a practice run. You can also have live music, space permitting. Please note our 22.00 curfew: music is to be turned off at 21.45 allowing time for your guests to leave at 22.00.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

A deposit of £150 is required to confirm the booking, to be paid by bank transfer. Our bank details are: Didsbury Parsonage Trust, sort code 40-31-20, account number 41467433.

We also require a damages deposit of £200, which can be paid nearer the date of the event. As long as no damage is caused, this will be repaid to you normally on the first working day after your event.

How many guests can I invite to the party?

60 is our maximum capacity.

What about parking?

We have no car park. There is some street parking on Stenner Lane or you can pay to use the car park behind The Didsbury pub, across the road.

Can I hold a stand up buffet for my reception?

Please note that due to the constraints of the building, we cannot accommodate stand up buffets. If guests are being served or doing self-service, they should be seated to eat. Room 1 can hold 40 people seated at tables and Room 2, which is next door, 20.

What about crockery, cutlery etc?

For an evening party, you/ your caterers should provide all crockery and cutlery, and take everything away afterwards to wash off-site. If you are having a daytime event, you can use our crockery and cutlery, but please note that these need to be washed up and put away by 17.00. We have a dishwasher; the quickest cycle takes about 30 minutes, so please allow sufficient time to put everything away.

What about alcohol?

We don't have a licence to sell alcohol so you need to supply any drinks for your guests. Chilled drinks can be stored in our fridge but you may want to bring ice buckets or order a bottle fridge. We can order a bottle fridge for you, it costs about £180.

Can we decorate the room?

Yes. There will usually be an art exhibition on the walls, so bear in mind that you will need to work around the paintings if you are putting up bunting or fairy lights. We have ladders you can use to put up decorations: please note that these are very large and it takes two people to use them – one person to go up the ladders, and one person to hold the ladders firmly in place. It is your responsibility to use the ladders safely.

There is a half-price hourly rate to book the rooms for decorating. Depending on room availability you might be able to set up decorations the day before. Table decorations would usually need to be done on the day, once the tables have been set up. We have some small jars/ vases you are welcome to use for table decorations. Please note that we do not allow use of candles or table confetti. Any decorations that are likely to move if there’s a draught of air cannot be left up overnight as they can set off our intruder alarm.

What are the seating arrangements for meals?

The caterer can use one of our three main rooms to set out the food and drinks. Usually, they like to use Room 3 because it is nearer to the kitchen, Rooms 1 and 2 being used to seat guests at tables.

What about catering?

We can let you know of caterers who have catered here before, who know the building and its facilities. If you hire caterers who haven’t worked here before, please arrange an appointment for them to come in, see the venue and discuss details. We require a copy of their 3rd party liability insurance.

Food cannot be cooked from scratch on the premises as we don't have adequate facilities. Caterers can bring their own ovens to use in our courtyard. For safety reasons, we don’t allow hot water urns: if you want your caterer to serve hot drinks, they will need to serve the drinks and provide hot water flasks. Due to minimal facilities for rubbish and other waste, caterers must take all rubbish and/or recycling away at the end of the event.

What about tablecloths?

Your caterer may provide these or you can use ours at no charge. Ours are dark red colour. Alternatively, we can order tablecloths for you. We have two sizes of table, requiring these sizes of tablecloths: trestle tables 70 x 108 ins square tables 70 x 70 ins

What else do we need to know?

We will ask you identify a 'Responsible Person' who can oversee things for you during the event, someone who can direct guests afterwards and can generally keep an eye on things. We will need this person’s mobile number and email address.

Part of the charm of the Parsonage is its beautiful oak floors, which are regularly polished and maintained. Oak floors and high heels sadly aren’t a good mix, so we would ask you to avoid wearing high heels if possible.

The Parsonage is in constant daily use by the public, and open 7 days a week. At the end of your event everything must be cleared up and the venue ready to re-open to the public the next day. You/ your caterers can come back by 10.00 the next morning to collect any belongings: please note that we cannot have dirty dishes or rubbish in bin bags left on the premises overnight as we are prone to vermin! Please read through our booking terms below. If you have any questions, we will be happy to help.