Manchester Central has released its most recent business results, demonstrating a strong quarter.
From October 1 – December 31 2022, visitor numbers exceeded 92,200, up 77% on the previous quarter, driven by 49 events, including the Vivid Experiences’ Christmas Party World, which welcomed over 26,800 attendees.
Over 4,500 visitors attended the venue’s hosting of the Wheelchair Rugby World Cup Final, while other events included the International Congress of the European Hernia society and the Manchester Art Fair.
Delegate spend and economic impact
The trading quarter also revealed delegate spend at the venue rose 20% on the previous quarter, while secondary spend on hotels, hospitality and travel in the city region contributed to an overall addition of £21.1m to the Greater Manchester economy over the three months to 31 December, aiding the continued recovery of the region.
Overall, the business events venue added over £73.2m to the regional economy from April to December 2022.
Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, commented: “The venue continues to demonstrate impressive growth and recovery, and looking ahead, we are forecasting that we will welcome up to half a million delegates at Manchester Central in 2023.
“This a figure we perhaps may have doubted earlier in the year at the height of economic turbulence but once again, it confirms the strength of the events sector post-Covid and the intrinsic, important nature of our venue in the Greater Manchester city region and across the North West.”
