At Manchester Central, our priority is to provide a welcoming, safe environment where outstanding events take place and memorable experiences are created.
We want every visitor to have a safe and enjoyable time at the venue. To facilitate this, we have highly skilled teams in place as well as certain measures designed to provide comfort and reassurance for all, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with us.
We work with every event organiser to help plan and implement safety and security measures based on the specific needs of each event.
Our team of security staff and stewards maintain a proactive approach to security including, vehicular and pedestrian access control, supported by screening technology and CCTV monitoring systems. So, while you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is ongoing, often behind the scenes, to keep you safe whilst at the venue.
We work closely with Greater Manchester Police, the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and local Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSA) to deter and disrupt any activity that could threaten safety and security and fully support the draft Protection of Premises Bill known as Martyn’s Law.
Ensure you arrive in plenty of time to pass through our security checks. If your event is ticketed, please have your tickets ready to be checked. Our security teams work hard to keep you safe so please help them by co-operating with their requests.
We carry out Opengate screening, bag searches and you may be screened with search dogs and search wands upon arrival. We therefore ask you to consider keeping bags and possessions to a minimum. Please also consider the size of your bag - we recommend just one small bag or handbag - to minimise the time it takes to search and gain access to the event.
Where this is not possible, we have a cloakroom available for most events where, after your bag has been searched, you will be able to leave it during the event.
Our screening process is simple; please follow these 3 steps to make it as efficient as possible:
- Keep your small bag and coats on your person. There is no need to take items from your pockets, unless instructed to by our security team.
- Simply pass through the Opengate screening system when asked by one of the team.
- You may be required to undergo a further search; if so you’ll be instructed to head to the nearest search table if required.
Please note, an alternative screening procedure is available for anyone who has medical concerns. We understand that some people may have specific reasons or concerns and be uncomfortable with walking through the system. If this is the case, please speak to a member of our security team on arrival.
Our security staff and stewards are here to make sure you have an incredible experience within our venue. Please don't hesitate to contact any of them with any questions you may have.
We do ask that if you feel something isn’t right, either mention it to a member of our security staff or a steward, please don’t ever worry about reporting anything that doesn’t feel quite right, no matter how minor. If you do see something suspicious, such as an unattended item, luggage, vehicle or someone behaving in a suspicious manner please let us know as soon as possible.
If you have any queries please get in touch with our team who will be happy to help.
If you're looking for information on our accessibility, please visit our dedicated page.