Bowlers Exhibition Centre

The Bowlers Exhibition Centre, commonly referred to as the BEC Arena, is located in Trafford Park on the fringe of Manchester. This expansive multi-functional venue accommodates music festivals and club events, exhibitions, fan conventions, sporting activities, fairs, and corporate gatherings.

This article will explore the venue and provide information about previous and forthcoming events.

Overview

The Bowlers Exhibition Centre is far from a typical exhibition venue. It is crafted to host a range of formats and can be adapted to meet the needs of different events. The facility includes four arenas, the Cantina Space Bar, an outdoor parking area, loading docks, and technical amenities for large events. Organisers also supply audio-visual equipment, security services, and an event manager.

• Arena 1, the main space, features a floor area of 2,960 m² and a height of 6 m. It is the largest area within the BEC Arena and boasts a column-free design, making it suitable for concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and sporting activities.
• Arena 2 spans 1,400 m² and is ideal for smaller music events, retail spaces, food courts, and additional areas during exhibitions.
• Arena 3 is significantly smaller at 700 m², measuring 35 × 20 m. This space is utilised for retail, photo shoots, autograph signings, or catering services.
• Arena 4 has an area of 252 m² and can be configured for small specialised setups.

The overall exhibition space totals 7,850 m². Organisers indicate that the venue can accommodate events with attendance ranging from 300 to 4,500 individuals.

The Cantina Space Bar is a unique feature – a remarkable replica of the cantina from “Star Wars”, it stands out from any other bar in the UK. This venue is perfect for private gatherings, VIP receptions, cocktail events, after-parties, and more, while also serving as an impressive “Star Wars”-themed escape room.

Venue Hire

BEC Arena provides spaces suitable for a diverse range of events. Event organisers can select from single arenas or a mix of multiple areas. The venue is available for exhibitions, conferences, presentations, corporate functions, concerts, sporting events, markets, and fan conventions.

Additionally, there is an outdoor space that can accommodate film shoots, family gatherings, charity functions, and exhibitions. This versatile area serves as a blank canvas that can be customised to create the ideal outdoor event for clients.

For event organisers, the venue offers loading bays, a 400-amp three-phase power supply, complimentary Wi-Fi, a public address system, bars, and technical assistance. Catering, a ticket office, security, and cleaning services can also be coordinated on-site. Access to the venue 24 hours a day can be arranged in advance.

The rental fee is variable; it is determined by the chosen premises, the length of the event, and the services needed. To receive a quotation, BEC Arena suggests reaching out to the lettings department directly.

Cultural importance and occasions

The Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC Arena) holds a crucial position in the cultural landscape of Manchester. Throughout the years, it has transformed from a renowned nightlife hotspot into one of the city’s most adaptable event venues.

The rave movement of the 1990s

• A pioneer of electronic music: In the 1990s, ‘Bowlers’ became a cornerstone of the British rave and dance scene, attracting thousands of electronic music fans.
• Iconic club nights: This venue regularly hosted legendary rave events.
• The tradition continues: Even after its modernisation, the BEC Arena remains the top choice for large-scale dance events, such as the multi-hall festivals Slammin’ Vinyl and Compulsion NYE.

Conventions and festivals for fans

Currently, this venue is well-recognised for hosting major pop culture fan conventions, especially those arranged by Monopoly Events.

Notable events that occur regularly include Comic Con Manchester, For the Love of Horror, and For the Love of Wrestling.

Athletic events

The venue boasts a notable sporting legacy, having been the site of significant boxing bouts, including the memorable title clash between Ashley Crawford and Carl Thompson on 31 October 1989.

Currently, the facility continues to serve as a prominent location for local sports, accommodating professional competitions in MMA and Muay Thai (including the Hitman Fight League) alongside amateur boxing contests.

Future events (2026 – 2027)

• 18 October 2026 – Submission Series 23 (Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling tournament);
• 24 October 2026 – Manchester Adored (Indie & Electronic music festival);
• 31 October 2026 – Sidewinder Halloween Festival (UK Garage, Bass & Urban music event);
• 7 – 8 November 2026 – Damnation Festival 2026 (Europe’s largest indoor metal festival);
• 14 – 15 November 2026 – For the Love of Horror (Major horror-themed fan convention);
• 28 November 2026 – Cage Warriors Manchester (Professional MMA tournament);
• 29 November 2026 – Cage Warriors Academy (Amateur MMA showcase);
• 12 December 2026 – RnB Winter Ball featuring Jagged Edge (Live concert);
• 12–13 December 2026 – Manchester Card Show & Free From Festival (Trading cards & Healthy food exhibition);
• 30 – 31 January 2027 – For the Love of the Force (Star Wars fan convention);
• 6 – 7 February 2027 – For the Love of Wrestling (Wrestling fan convention & star meet-ups);
• 13 – 14 February 2027 – For the Love of Time & Space (Doctor Who themed convention);
• 20 – 21 February 2027 – For the Love of Vampire Diaries UK (Vampire Diaries cast convention);
• 6 March 2027 – For the Love of Anime (Anime & Japanese culture festival);
• 24 – 25 July 2027 – Comic Con Manchester (The region’s biggest pop culture fan event).

Post by Adored Events/ Manchester Adored (@adoredevents__)

Contact information and location

Phone: +44 (0)161 876 0007

Email: [email protected]

Location: Longbridge Rd, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1SN

Getting there

• By car: The venue is located just a 2-minute drive from Junction 9 on the M60 motorway (adjacent to The Trafford Centre shopping and leisure complex). It takes approximately 15 minutes (around 3 miles) to travel from Manchester city centre.
• Tram (Metrolink): Disembark at Parkway. The complex is roughly a 15 – 20-minute walk from that point.

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