Manchester Hall reveals what the masons have been hiding for years!

Debbie Manley | 3rd November 2017

An iconic Grade II listed Manchester Hall revealed its secrets to invited guests for the first time following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The former Freemasons Hall on Manchester’s Bridge Street was left untouched for decades and over two years has been spent sensitively transforming the building to bring it up to date. It is now set to be one of Manchester’s premier venues for weddings, parties, fashion shoots and shows, conferences and much more.

Around 600 guests were given the keys to the doors of Manchester Hall for the launch party and were directed from room to room for a different big reveal in each one – including one set out as if it was waiting a masonic ceremony – before it transformed into a dance floor with a DJ set by Hacienda DJ Graeme Park.

In the function room with its huge glass chandelier, guests applauded as a bride and groom stepped shyly onto the dance floor for their first dance. It started as a smooch but then three other male dancers from JK Dance Productions joined them for an stunning surprise routine to Voodoo Ray by A Guy Called Gerald (see video above).

Elsewhere there was a fashion showcase sponsored by House of Fraser, featuring brands such as Ralph Lauren and LK Bennett, and a beauty room featuring brands such as YSL, Dior and Sisley.

Meanwhile in the library, there was a separate fashion installation by Look Beyond Me with models wearing clothes by Philip Armstrong – a fashion favourite of celebrities including Dannii Minogue, Katy Perry and Abbey Clancy; and with professional hair styling using Tamara Eccleston’s brand, SHOW Beauty.

Very few people outside the Freemasons have had the opportunity to go inside Manchester Hall before the launch party. It was built by Percy Scott Worthington in 1929 – the same architect who designed Manchester Grammar School (with Francis Jones) and Manchester Cathedral.

Exquisite period details include pillars, oak paneling and intricate plasterwork including Freemasons’ iconography on the ceilings. Many of the rooms have floor to ceiling windows, giving fantastic natural daylight and views of Bridge Street and beyond.

Manchester Hall’s magnificent floating staircase is one-of-a-kind in England and makes a stunning photo backdrop. Indeed happy couples could get married on the stairs should they wish to – the whole building is fully licensed for civil ceremonies.

For more details visit manchesterhall.co.uk.

Album 1

Manchester Hall launch party. Photo Elspeth MooreJohanna Wrigley (Jabio), Graeme Park and Emma Wilkinson. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Armand Beasley and Shobna Gulati. Photo by Elspeth MooreManchester hall launch party. Photo by Elspeth MooreManchester Hall launch party. Photo by Elspeth MooreDeepa Parekh. Photo by Carl Sukonik.The wedding dance by JK Dance Productions. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Shobna Gulati at the Manchester Hall launch party. Photo by Elspeth MooreThe wedding dance. Photo by Carl Sukonik.Manchester Hall launch party. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Manchester Hall launch party - the wedding. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Ziggy Lavelle from Look Beyond Me exhibited Philip Armstrong. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Philip Armstrong installation by look Beyond Me. Photo by Carl Sukonik.Masonic room at manchester Hall. Photo by Elspeth MooreDJ decks at Manchester Hall. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Graeme Park. Photo by Carl Sukonik.Fashion catwalk at Manchester Hall launch party. Photo Elspeth MooreManchester Hall launch party. Photo by Elspeth Moore.House of Fraser beauty demo. Photo by Carl Sukonik.Model wearing Philip Armstrong dress. Photo by Carl Sukonik.The champagne was flowing at Manchester Hall. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Manchester Hall launch party. Photo by Elspeth MooreGuests were given keys to get into the launch party. Photo by Elspeth MooreManchester Hall stairs. Photo by Elspeth MooreManchester Hall designers and brands. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Manchester bee at manchester Hall. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Manchester bees at Manchester Hall.Manchester Hall. Photo by Elspeth Moore.Manchester Hall.Manchester Hall.Manchester Hall.Manchester Hall on Bridge Street. Photo by Elspeth MooreManchester Hall sign. Photo by Elspeth Moore.