Aviva Studios
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Aviva Studios

4.6
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Experience art, football, and live music in Manchester's dynamic Aviva Studios, a venue for immersive entertainment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More events and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Aviva Studios

Aviva Studios

Best Time

Weekends

More events and lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience art, football, and live music in Manchester's dynamic Aviva Studios, a venue for immersive entertainment.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A brilliant time here, the football experience was great for my boys!"

Vertical photo
TIP

⚽ Feel Like a Pro

Immerse yourself in the football experience by walking out as a player!

🎶 Great Gig Atmosphere

Enjoy the intimate vibe and good sound for live music events.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,209 reviews

Type

Event Venue

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Football Experience

Interactive Football Experience

Ground Floor

Walk out like a player, hit penalties, and feel the roar of the crowd on match day.

Intimate Gig Venues

Intimate Gig Venues

Event Spaces

Experience live music in a warm, intimate setting with great sound quality.

Art Exhibitions

Art Exhibitions

Gallery Spaces

Explore thought-provoking art installations and exhibitions.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Special Events

While some experiences are 'pay what you want', popular gigs and exhibitions often require advance booking. Check the official website for event schedules and ticket releases to avoid disappointment.

Card Payments Recommended

Some reviews mention issues with card payments at the bar. It's advisable to have cards ready or be prepared for potential cash-only situations at certain points of sale.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More events and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Gigs and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What is Aviva Studios like?

I’m meant to be going there for a concert on Monday, and I guess that I have two questions… is it easy to walk to from Manchester Piccadilly railway station, and are there different entrances for whether you’re going to the “art centre” or the venue? And I guess I have a third,…

⚽ Feel Like a Pro

Immerse yourself in the football experience by walking out as a player! Reddit

🎶 Great Gig Atmosphere

Enjoy the intimate vibe and good sound for live music events. Reddit

reddit.com

Concert at Factory International

Hey. Planning on coming to see a Fountains D.C. show in Manchester at Factory International in November. How is the venue, I'm afraid it would be show with sitting audience, which I would rather avoid. Anyone been there? Do they have proper conditions to take a rock show?

reddit.com

The reviews are in

Spotted on Water street, that is the approach to Aviva Studios. I've not seen it, I just found it funny. Sorry the pictures so blown out, it's a bad phone camera, used without care.

💳 Card Payment Ready

Have cards handy for bar purchases, though some spots might be cash-only. Reddit

🅿️ Easy Access

Getting in and out of the venue is generally straightforward. Reddit

reddit.com

Question about Aviva Studios

Hi all, potentially a silly question but here goes. I have 3 tickets for an upcoming concert at Aviva Studios in Manchester. All three tickets have my name on them, but one of my friends won’t be arriving at the same time as me (and might be a little late). I was wondering if I…

Tips

from all over the internet

⚽ Feel Like a Pro

Immerse yourself in the football experience by walking out as a player! Reddit

🎶 Great Gig Atmosphere

Enjoy the intimate vibe and good sound for live music events. Reddit

💳 Card Payment Ready

Have cards handy for bar purchases, though some spots might be cash-only. Reddit

🅿️ Easy Access

Getting in and out of the venue is generally straightforward. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Aviva Studios is praised as a versatile venue, excelling as both an intimate live music spot and an engaging attraction with its unique football experience. Visitors appreciate the atmosphere, sound quality, and reasonable bar prices, though some note minor issues with restroom access and card payments.

"Brilliant time here. Although couldn't purchase food because needed cards. The footy experience was great for my boys. You could pay what you want to get in. We walked through hall as if we we footy players going to a match. Watched footy from screen saw a mascot. My lads played at penalty shoot out"

Emma Etim

"I've been to 2 gigs here but I would say this is possibly my favourite Manchester venue.
Keeping the venue open after the gig finishes is great there's no major rush to get out. I think the bar is reasonably priced. Possibly cheaper than bars around it.
Only issues no loos in the 1st floor where the event spaces is but can live with having to go downstairs"

James Lawton

"Great venue for the Olly Alexander Up Close And Polari concert. Very intimate and a lovely, warm setting. 10/10

(I've added a couple of the photographs and videos I took during the event.)"

Keith Pearson

What People Like

Intimate gig atmosphere
Interactive football experience
Good sound quality

What People Dislike

Limited restrooms on 1st floor
Card payment issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Aviva Studios is located just outside Manchester's main city centre. It's easily accessible by public transport and is a straightforward journey from the city hub. Reddit

Information on specific parking facilities is limited, but given its location near the city centre, public transport is often recommended. Check local parking apps for nearby options. Reddit

Yes, it's situated just outside the main city centre, making it a feasible walk for many, especially if you enjoy exploring the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For specific events like gigs and exhibitions, advance booking is usually required. Some experiences, like the football one, may operate on a 'pay what you want' basis. Always check the official website for event details. Reddit

Opening hours vary significantly depending on scheduled events. It's best to check the Aviva Studios website for the specific hours related to the exhibition or gig you plan to attend. Reddit

There is no strict dress code for Aviva Studios. Visitors typically dress casually, especially for gigs or the football experience. Reddit

While some areas like the bar may accept card payments, reviews suggest that cash might be preferred or necessary in certain situations. It's wise to have both options available. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The football experience allows you to walk out as a player, experience a penalty shootout, and watch football on a screen, mimicking a match day atmosphere. It's particularly engaging for children. Reddit

Yes, the interactive football experience is a hit with children, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

Aviva Studios hosts a variety of events including live music gigs, art exhibitions, and interactive experiences like the football simulation. Reddit

Many visitors praise Aviva Studios as a great live music venue, highlighting its intimate atmosphere, good sound quality, and the ability to keep the venue open after the gig. Reddit

Some reviews mention a lack of restrooms on the first floor where event spaces are located, requiring visitors to go downstairs. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase. However, some visitors have encountered issues with card payments at the bar, so it's advisable to be prepared. Reddit

Compared to bars in the surrounding area, the bar prices at Aviva Studios are considered reasonably priced by some visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, and visitors often share photos and videos of their experiences, especially during gigs. However, specific exhibition rules may apply. Reddit

The football experience offers unique photo opportunities, as do the intimate settings for live music. The exterior approach on Water Street also provides a distinctive backdrop. Reddit

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