Naming Ceremony FAQs

Have a question? Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions below.

The Didsbury Parsonage is available for hire for secular naming ceremonies, or parties following christening ceremonies held elsewhere. We cannot take bookings for religious ceremonies. We can accommodate up to 34 guests (including children), on any day of the week except Sunday, for daytime events. Please note that all charges are for 2023/ 2024 as stated; charges for 2025 are subject to revision.

How much would it cost?

The charge is £50 (2023) £60 (2024) per hour for room hire, plus an administration fee of £10 (2023)/ £15 (2024) per hour.

What Parsonage facilities would we be able to use?

You will be able to use Room 1, with access to the kitchen for water. You will need to provide your own crockery, cutlery, cups, glasses.

Do we need to hire furniture?

No, we have chairs and tables that you can use.

Where can we park?

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.

Do we need to pay a deposit?

We require a deposit of £50 to confirm your booking, and this will be deducted from your final invoice.

The booking deposit is fully refundable if you cancel your event three months before the scheduled date. If you cancel between one and three months before, 50% will be refunded. If you cancel less than 30 days before, the booking deposit is not refundable unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Payments should be made by bank transfer. Our bank details are: Account Name: Didsbury Parsonage Trust, sort code: 40-31-20, account number: 41467433. We also require a returnable deposit of £100 against damage. This will be refunded in full a week after your event, assuming no damage has been caused.

What about catering?

You can bring in your own food, or get food delivered by a caterer. In either case, all food and drink is to be served in Room 1, and the room to be cleared completely at the end of your event. We need a copy of the caterer’s 3rd party liability insurance. Caterers need to know that access to the kitchen is for water only. For safety reasons, we don’t allow hot water urns; if you want your caterer to serve hot drinks, they will need to provide hot water flasks.

Can I hold a stand up buffet for my reception?

We cannot accommodate stand up buffets; guests need to have tables so they can sit down to eat.

Do you have tablecloths we can use?

We can provide tablecloths at no extra charge (they are dark red, matching the colour of the walls in Room 1). If you are providing your own cloths, we can let you know the sizes you need.

Are there rules about alcohol?

We don't have a licence to sell alcohol so you need to supply any alcoholic drinks.

Can we have music?

We have a CD/Bluetooth/USB music system, which you can use free of charge, or you can bring your own. If using our equipment we would advise a practice run prior to your event. You are welcome to have musicians if there is sufficient space in the room

Can we decorate the room?

Probably, though it will depend on other events taking place immediately before or after your event. Our staff can advise you on this when you book.

What else do we need to know?

We will ask you to identify a 'Responsible Person' who can oversee things for you on the day, and we will ask for their mobile number and email. Please note that the Parsonage is an exhibition space, with changing exhibitions every month. Once artwork is in place it cannot be moved or taken down.

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.

Our terms and conditions are below: please read through these and if anything isn’t clear we will be happy to help.