Parties and Functions FAQs

Due to the historic nature and configuration of The Parsonage, the venue is best suited to small informal parties, for adults. We do not host engagement parties or any under-25s parties. All charges quoted are for 2026 as stated. Charges for 2027 are subject to revision.

When can I have my function here?

Bookings can be taken Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm onwards. Functions are subject to a 10pm curfew.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

A deposit of £150 (non-refundable unless under mitigating circumstances) is required to confirm the booking, to be paid by bank transfer.

We also require a damages deposit of £200, which can be paid nearer the date of the event. As long as no damage is caused, this will be repaid to you normally on the first working day after your event.

Catering

We have a list of local professional caterers that have worked with us in the past which we will provide you with once you have been in for a meeting. These caterers are all well equipped to work in our venue and are fantastic at what they do. If you choose someone who isn’t on our list, let us know and we can get in touch with them to make sure that they feel comfortable working in our venue. Food cannot be cooked from scratch within the venue as we don't have adequate facilities. Caterers can bring their own equipment to set up ‘pop-up’ kitchens in our courtyard space - this must be discussed and approved with the venue beforehand

Can I self-cater?

You can however please note that we do not have a third-party food liability insurance, or food handling training as a venue, therefore our staff cannot handle food under any circumstances. This means that either yourself or a member of your party will need to be responsible for serving food, as our staff will not be able to do this for you. Self-catering will need to be heavily discussed and agreed upon with staff before booking your event.

If you are self-catering, we would ask for a signed disclaimer that you take full responsibility for any accidents, spillage/damage or ill-health due to effects of food. Due to minimal facilities for rubbish and other waste, you will need to take all rubbish and/or recycling with you at the end of the event. Used crockery/cutlery etc cannot be left on the premises overnight.

What about crockery, cutlery etc?

You or your caterers need to provide all crockery and cutlery and take everything away afterwards to wash off-site as we don’t have the right facilities to do so. We cannot provide plates, bowls or cutlery. We do have around 40 teacups / mugs for hot drinks.

What about glasses?

You can use our glasses free of charge. We have champagne flutes, wine glasses, tumblers and pint glasses. Events Assistants will wash these and put glasses away at the end of your party.

What about music?

We have a CD/Bluetooth/USB music system, which you can use free of charge, or you can bring your own. If you are using our equipment, we would advise a practice run. You can also have live music, space permitting. Please note our 10pm curfew: music is to be turned off at 9.45pm allowing time for your guests to leave at 10pm.

What about parking?

We currently do not have any parking here at the parsonage, however, there is some street parking on Stenner Lane or you can use the Pay & Display carpark behind The Didsbury pub situated across the road.

What about drinks?

We don't have a licence to buy in or sell alcohol. Instead, you will need to provide your own drinks. You have freedom to bring in whatever you like or ask guests to bring something with them on the day. We will store these drinks and then have them laid out and ready for you after your ceremony. We have a standard size fridge for storing a small number of bottles which is usually adequate for drinks reception. If you require a large capacity fridge, we can add that to your order, approx. cost £205, accommodating 100 bottles.

Can we decorate the room?

Yes. There will usually be an art exhibition on the walls, so bear in mind that you will need to work around the paintings if you are putting up bunting or fairy lights. We have ladders you can use to put up decorations: please note that these are very large and it takes two people to use them – one person to go up the ladders, and one person to hold the ladders firmly in place. It is your responsibility to use the ladders safely.

There is a half-price hourly rate to book the rooms for decorating. Depending on room availability you might be able to set up decorations the day before. Table decorations would usually need to be done on the day, once the tables have been set up. Any decorations that are likely to move if there’s a draught of air cannot be left up overnight as they can set off our intruder alarm.

What about tablecloths?

Your caterer may provide these or you can use ours at no charge. Ours are dark red colour. Alternatively, we can order tablecloths for you. We have two sizes of table, requiring these sizes of tablecloths: trestle tables 70 x 108 ins square tables 70 x 70 ins

What else do we need to know?

We will ask you identify a 'Responsible Person' who can oversee things for you during the event, someone who can direct guests afterwards and can generally keep an eye on things. We will need this person’s mobile number and email address.

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.

The Parsonage is in constant daily use by the public, and open 7 days a week. At the end of your event everything must be cleared up and the venue ready to re-open to the public the next day. You/ your caterers can come back by 10am the next morning to collect any belongings: To help prevent pests or vermin, no dirty dishes or bin bags of rubbish can be left on the premises overnight.