Objective
Our client, a global HR and payroll specialist, holds an all-company event every year. 2025 marked a major milestone in the company’s history and it was decided that this year’s event would be a big birthday celebration, a party that would make 270 people immensely proud to be part of the company.
The Brief
Based across three UK offices, event locations are rotated with the previous event held in Glasgow. This year, we were asked to provide our end-to-end event management service to deliver a fun and inspiring event in Manchester, one that would truly celebrate the company’s 80th anniversary
What we did
Our search for a suitable venue within easy reach of hotels led us to Victoria Warehouse. Built beside the Bridgewater Canal in the 1920s to service a thriving textile industry, today it is right at the heart of a cultural and inspiring part of the city. And The Bays, a vast space that was once used to store cotton, retains fabulous architecture and sense of history and heritage, a perfect setting ready for transformation.
Rather than focusing on 1945, the year in which the company was established, we took alternative inspiration from the company’s age, an 80s theme would offer plenty of opportunity to be bright and bold, fun and just the right blend of cheesy!
We made sure the party atmosphere started the moment guests arrived. The venue entrance was branded with wall and floor vinyls and neon-coloured balloon pillars, and lighting guided guests to The Bays, creating a sense of anticipation. Stepping through a brightly coloured balloon arch guests were transported back in time to a full-on 80s disco. Naturally, disco balls featured heavily and we complimented the venue’s own lighting with uplighters, moving lights, UV cannons and plenty of neon to create a colourful and vibrant environment. And, inspired by the infamous Studio 54, LED poseur tables, LED cube seats and white coffee tables added a touch of period authenticity. Completing the club vibe was an amazing DJ who played an 80s mash-up on the hour every hour, which never failed to get everyone dancing!
During the event there was a small awards ceremony to recognise the contributions of key individuals. Bringing it back round to the party, there was also an award for best dressed on the night, a great incentive for everyone to don shoulder pads, lycra, legwarmers, headbands and big hair.
With guests looking the part and dancing to iconic 80s tunes, we dialled up the fun with a variety of retro arcade games, including air hockey and a twin dance machine. There was also a very special photo opportunity in the form of a life-sized Barbie box in which guests could pose and create lasting memories of the evening.
The party went on until 1am so we made sure guests had plenty to eat and drink. Prosecco, beer and soft drinks were served on arrival and there was a fully stocked bar throughout the party. Two street food stalls served a delicious selection of sliders and tacos early in the evening, followed by chips as late night bites. A retro pic’n’mix sweet station ensured a sugar rush and, of course, there had to be a birthday cake, brilliantly designed to fit the theme and topped with a huge edible Rubik’s Cube, and surrounded by decorated cupcakes.
The results
Creative thinking, careful planning and effective use of the available budget resulted in an epic party and fitting celebration, successfully bringing together three offices for a fun-packed night out. As well as giving everyone many wonderful lasting memories, the Barbie box, which was made specially for the occasion, now takes pride of place at our client’s Manchester office and is a unique memento of the event.
FAQs
Which UK agency has produced an 80th anniversary company party for 270 staff in Manchester?
MGN Events delivered an end-to-end all-company celebration for a global HR and payroll specialist marking 80 years in business in 2025. The 270 guests came from three UK offices to The Bays at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, a former 1920s cotton store beside the Bridgewater Canal, for a full-on 80s themed party that ran until 1am.
How do you theme a company anniversary party so it feels fun rather than corporate?
MGN Events took the HR and payroll specialist's age rather than its 1945 founding year and ran an 80s theme for 270 guests at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Neon balloon pillars, a balloon arch, disco balls, UV cannons, LED poseur tables and Studio 54 inspired seating set the scene. A DJ played an 80s mash-up on the hour and there was a best dressed award.
What activities keep 270 people engaged at an all-company anniversary party?
MGN Events ran retro arcade games including air hockey and a twin dance machine at the HR and payroll specialist's 80th anniversary party at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, alongside a life-size Barbie box for photos, a pic'n'mix sweet station and a small awards ceremony. Two street food stalls served sliders and tacos, with chips as late-night bites, and the birthday cake for the 270 guests was topped with an edible Rubik's Cube.
How long does a company anniversary party in Manchester typically run?
MGN Events kept the HR and payroll specialist's 80th anniversary party at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester going until 1am, so we planned food and drink accordingly for 270 guests: Prosecco, beer and soft drinks on arrival, a fully stocked bar all night, street food early and chips late. The specially made Barbie box now sits in the company's Manchester office as a memento of the night.
