Corporate hire and bespoke events

In March 2020, we made the difficult decision to suspend Dippy in Rochdale. We're regularly reviewing the situation and will keep this website updated with the latest information.

We're looking forward to welcoming you back.

As part of Dippy's visit, companies and organisations have the opportunity to host private events alongside the national treasure, Dippy the Dinosaur.

How do I request a private event?

Private and bespoke events can be requested outside of the public viewing hours. See public opening hours.

As Number One Riverside is a working council building, all bookings must be approved prior to advertising. Our events team aim to respond to all requests within 2 working days.

See our full terms and conditions.

• Complete the online form (external link) or email dippy.bookings@rochdale.gov.uk to express an interest

What preplanned private and bespoke events are available?

We have a range of pre-planned events that takes the hard work out of organising a function and that are ideal for celebrations, networking and more.

If none of these suit your needs, simply get in touch with the team and we will work with you to curate your perfect, bespoke event.

• Cocktails and canapes - a fun, informal evening to enjoy with delicious food, drinks and live music.
• Retro film nights - for something a little different, private showings at a retro film night.
• Breakfast with Dippy - showcase your company with the most unique business breakfast.
• Bespoke events - if nothing suits your event, make a request for a bespoke event package.

Cocktails and canapes

Please note the number of guests per event will be reviewed accordingly, as per government guidelines relating to coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Package price: £1,000 + VAT (includes 50 guests). A £200 + VAT non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. See our full terms and conditions.
Additional guests: £12 + VAT each
Live musician: £200 + VAT. Subject to availability.
Recommended time: 7pm-9pm
Booking: Complete the online form (external link) or email dippy.bookings@rochdale.gov.uk to express an interest

A fun, informal evening to enjoy with friends and colleagues alike. Enter Number One Riverside, where you'll be warmly welcomed by our team of professional front-of-house staff.

Upon arrival, you and your guests will each enjoy a welcome drink from a choice of classic or themed cocktails before making your way down to the main exhibit, where a range of delicious canapes will be served to suit every taste.

Our fully stocked bar will be open for guests to purchase any additional cocktails, beer, wine or soft drinks, and the option of live music creates the perfect atmosphere.

A great opportunity for networking with a twist or the perfect way to start a work's night out!!

Cocktail menu

• Passion fruit martini
• Dark and stormy
• Jurassic julep
• Dino sours
• Lemon-blueberry colada (mocktail)

Canape menu

• Mini steak and stilton rosti
• Mini fish and chips
• Mozzarella melts
• Butternut and saffron soup shots
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries

Retro film nights

Please note the number of guests per event will be reviewed accordingly, as per government guidelines relating to coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Package price: £1,200 + VAT (includes 50 guests). A £200 + VAT non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. See our full terms and conditions.
Additional guests: £8 + VAT each
Recommended time: 7pm-11pm
Booking: Complete the online form (external link) or email dippy.bookings@rochdale.gov.uk to express an interest

For something a little different, book a private showing at one of our retro film nights.

Enter Number One Riverside and the smell of freshly-cooked popcorn will welcome you as you arrive. Before the showing, you and your guests will have a chance to network and purchase drinks from our fully stocked bar and confectionery or candy floss from our sweet stall.

With a choice of popular and themed films, it's sure to be a night to remember for all involved. As you take your seats underneath the national treasure, Dippy the Dinosaur, each guest will receive a complimentary tub of popcorn.

A fantastic way to reward your staff of as a team building evening.

Film menu

• Jurassic Park
• Godzilla (2014)
• The Greatest Showman
• Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
• Night at the Museum
• Wall-E

Breakfast with Dippy

Please note the number of guests per event will be reviewed accordingly, as per government guidelines relating to coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Package price: £500 + VAT (includes 50 guests). A £200 + VAT non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. See our full terms and conditions.
Additional guests: £8 + VAT each
Recommended time: 8am-10am
Booking: Complete the online form (external link) or email dippy.bookings@rochdale.gov.uk to express an interest

Showcase your company with the most unique business breakfast by making the most of this one-off visit. Clients, partners and colleagues alike are sure to be wowed by a networking breakfast hosted right underneath the Natural History Museum's famous exhibit.

Upon arrival at Number One Riverside, you and your guests will enjoy a first-class breakfast beside Dippy the Dinosaur, followed by a chance to chat and share ideas.

After breakfast, guests will be invited up to our training and conference suite, equipped with all the facilities to conduct presentations, workshops and more. Guest speakers will be able to make use of our in-house equipment, including AV. microphones and lecterns.

Breakfast menu

• Premium breakfast sandwiches, including vegetarian
• Selection of Danish pastries and croissants
• Basket of fresh, seasonal fruits
• Yoghurt, granola and honey
• Freshly-ground coffee or Yorkshire tea
• Pure orange and apple juice

Bespoke events

Package price: from £400 + VAT
Recommended time: from 7pm
Request a bespoke event: Complete the online form (external link) or email dippy.bookings@rochdale.gov.uk to express an interest

If none of our pre-planned packages are suitable, we would happily take requests for a bespoke event package. These packages are individually priced based on your exact specification and our team of event staff will work with you to curate it to your needs. Bespoke events might include award ceremonies, presentations, exhibitions and more.

Terms and conditions for corporate hire

The following terms and conditions apply to all bookings for corporate and private hire during Dippy on Tour. By making a booking, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

• Provisional bookings will be held for a maximum of 14 days. If we do not receive confirmation and your deposit before the conclusion of this 14 day period the provisional booking will be lost.
• The Dippy Events Team reserve the right to decline any bookings requested without disclosing the reason. No bookings should be arranged or advertised prior to acceptance being received.
• All bookings accepted must abide by the restrictions made by the Natural History Museum. For details, please speak to the Dippy Events Team.
• All catering and refreshments must be provided by the Dippy Events Team. No food or drink will be permitted from any other supplier unless agreed in advance. Contractors that have not been pre-approved will be refused entry to the venue.
• All bookings are only secured upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit payment of £200+VAT, a full internal cost code or purchase order number. Bookings are subject to cancellation if the above is not provided.
• A mutually convenient appointment will be made no fewer than 14 days prior to your event to discuss final arrangements, number of guests and catering required.
• Full payment must be made 14 days in advance of your event. Any changes in your requirements after this date may incur additional charges.
• The client will be held responsible for any damage caused by themselves or their guests. A £500 refundable bond payment must be paid 14 days prior to your event. This bond will be returned in full after your event and providing there is no damage or losses caused by your event or by attendees at your event.
• Bookings must be cancelled at least 14 days in advance if the event is no longer required. Cancellations after this time will incur a 50% charge given we receive at least 7 days notice. Events cancelled with less than 7 days notice will incur a 100% charge.
• Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
• Any contractors that will be used as part of your event must be approved in advance and public liability insurance, portable appliance testing certificates and any other certification deemed necessary by the Dippy Events Team provided. Contractors that have not been pre-approved will be refused entry to the venue.
• No open flames such as candles, candelabras or tea lights are permitted at any time. Fully enclosed candles are permitted with approval in advance.
• No helium balloons are permitted in the venue at any time.
• Children must be supervised at all times and are the responsibility of the parent or guardian, not Rochdale Borough Council or the Dippy Events Team.
• You must notify us before the event of any persons whom might need assistance in case of an evacuation.
• No booking will be accepted which may be of a political or religious content.