Manchester, UK
Event Management, Creative Design, Event Production
270 Attendees
80 Years in Business
1 Edible Rubik’s Cube
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.
