Filming in Manchester: permits and fees
Manchester City Council's Filming and Events team issues permits for public highways, parks, and civic buildings across the city.
Who issues permits
Manchester City Council’s Filming and Events team is the single point of contact for all filming on council-owned land, public streets, and parks within the city. Productions working at MediaCityUK in Salford are in a different authority area and should contact Salford City Council separately.
Process
Submit an application at least 10 working days before the shoot. Major productions requiring road closures should aim for six weeks minimum lead time. The application covers the proposed locations, dates, crew size, equipment, and vehicle details. The council then coordinates with highways, police liaison, and parks services as needed.
Fees
Street permits start at around £100–£200 for basic or small-crew shoots. Road closures involve separate traffic management costs, which vary by route and closure duration. Specific council venues are subject to location hire fees negotiated separately.
What’s covered
Public highways and pavements, council parks including Platt Fields Park, Heaton Park, and Whitworth Park, civic buildings such as Manchester Town Hall, and public squares including Albert Square and St Ann’s Square.
Popular filming locations in Manchester include the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and the streets around Manchester Town Hall.
Typical restrictions
No filming after 23:00 without specific approval from the council. Road closures require a Traffic Management Plan submitted to highways. Insurance of at least £5 million public liability is mandatory. Parking meter suspensions require 48 hours notice through the highways team.
Contact
Apply on the Manchester City Council website → manchester.gov.uk/filming