Ice Cream Vans for Hire in Manchester

We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies

We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.

The Mancunian's Guide to Hiring an Ice Cream Van

There’s a certain sound that can cut through the Manchester rain and bring a dose of instant sunshine: the unmistakable jingle of an ice cream van. It’s a tune that reminds us of park kickabouts, slightly sunburnt school holidays, and the pure joy of a 99 with extra sauce.

In a city buzzing with creativity and character, what could be better than bringing that simple, happy-go-lucky vibe to your own event? Forget predictable desserts for a moment. Hiring an ice cream van in Manchester is a brilliant way to add a twist of nostalgia and fun to any gathering. Whether it's for a quirky wedding in the Northern Quarter or a summer social in Didsbury, we’re here to give you the inside track.

Why an Ice Cream Van is a Top Choice for Your Manchester Event

Manchester is a city that does things differently. It’s got a unique spirit, a confidence that comes from its rich industrial past and its vibrant cultural present. An ice cream van fits that vibe perfectly. It's unpretentious, fun, and universally loved. It’s a brilliant leveller that gets everyone from your CEO to your nan queuing up with a grin on their face.

It’s also an incredible visual feature. A beautifully restored vintage van parked outside a converted mill or in a leafy suburban street creates an instant focal point and a fantastic backdrop for photos. It signals to your guests that this isn’t just another stuffy event; this is a proper celebration.

The Perfect Occasion for a Cone

The beauty of an ice cream van is its ability to roll up and fit in just about anywhere. It brings a casual, festival feel that works wonders for a whole host of Manchester events.

• Warehouse Weddings: Manchester is famous for its stunning industrial-chic wedding venues. An ice cream van parked in the courtyard of a converted warehouse in Ancoats is the perfect, quirky contrast to the exposed brickwork and steel beams. It's a memorable treat for your guests between the ceremony and the evening do.
• Staff Socials: Want to be the most popular person in the office? Arrange for an ice cream van to visit on a Friday afternoon. It’s a fantastic way to reward your team for their hard work and get everyone out of the office and mingling in the sunshine.
• Student Balls: From Fallowfield to Oxford Road, an ice cream van is a guaranteed hit at any student event. It’s a fun, affordable dessert option that provides a welcome sugar rush to keep the energy high on the dance floor all night long.
• Street Parties: Whether it's for a Jubilee celebration or just a neighbourhood get-together, an ice cream van is the heart of any good street party. It becomes the natural gathering point for neighbours to chat and for kids to run around, creating a wonderful community atmosphere.

Parking Up: Great Manchester Spots for Your Van

While Manchester is a bustling city, it’s blessed with a fantastic mix of venues and open spaces. When you’re thinking about where to hire an ice cream van in Manchester, you need to consider access and permissions, but you’ll find you have plenty of options.

We’ve seen suppliers set up in some cracking locations:

• The grounds of converted mills and lofts across the city.
• University and college campus quads.
• The green spaces of suburban parks and sports clubs.
• Private driveways for garden parties and family celebrations.

The golden rule is to communicate. Have a quick chat with your venue manager and your chosen ice cream van supplier beforehand. They’ll have the experience to know what’s possible and can help you figure out the logistics, ensuring everything on the day is as smooth as a scoop of vanilla.

What's the Flavour? Crafting Your Manchester Menu

This is where you can have some real fun and tailor the experience to your event. The modern ice cream van offers so much more than the classics you remember from childhood.

• A Northern Classics Menu: Why not lean into the local heritage? Many suppliers can create a menu packed with nostalgic northern favourites. Think creamy honeycomb, classic mint-choc-chip, rum and raisin, and of course, mountains of whipped ice cream with a Flake proudly stuck in the top.
• The Build-Your-Own Sundae Bar: This is a brilliant, interactive option that gets guests involved. The van serves the ice cream, and guests can go wild at a station loaded with toppings. We’re talking different sauces, crushed biscuits, brownie chunks, fresh fruit, and every kind of sprinkle imaginable. It’s organised chaos and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
• Vegan and Dairy-Free Delights: Catering for everyone is easy. Most suppliers now offer a fantastic range of dairy-free ice creams and fruit-packed vegan sorbets, so no one has to miss out on the fun.

Let's Talk Money: The Cost of a Van in Manchester

So, how much will this slice of happiness set you back? Hiring an ice cream van in Manchester is excellent value for money, especially when you consider the impact it has on your event.

As a general guide, you can expect to see a minimum hire fee, which typically covers a 1-2 hour service window and a certain number of guests. In the Manchester area, this fee usually lands somewhere between £500 and £950.

For larger events, some suppliers might work on a per-head cost, which could be anywhere from £3.50 to £6.00 per person.

The final quote will depend on a few things:

• How many people you’re treating.
• How long you want the van to serve for.
• The location (travel to the outskirts of Greater Manchester might add a little extra).
• Your chosen menu and any special customisations.

The great thing is, there are no hidden surprises with us. We’ve designed Poptop so you can see clear, all-inclusive pricing from the get-go. This means you can find what you need effortlessly, without being an event planning expert.

Why Poptop Makes Booking a Breeze

Finding the perfect supplier for your event should be exciting, not stressful. That’s why we created Poptop. We’ve brought all of Manchester’s best event services together in one convenient place, making it simple for you to find and book exactly what you’re looking for.

When you book with us, you can trust that your event is in safe hands. We’ve carefully vetted all our suppliers for their quality and professionalism. We guarantee a reliable service, and our money-back guarantee means you can book with total confidence, knowing your investment is secure.

Your vision for the day is what matters most. Our suppliers are brilliant at creating an event that is uniquely yours, whether that means adapting the menu for dietary needs or helping you create a custom flavour. This flexibility ensures the end result is a personal experience that truly reflects your style.

And you'll enjoy a truly friendly attitude. We choose suppliers who are not only great at what they do but are also great with people. They create a warm, engaging atmosphere that makes your guests feel welcome, leaving you with memories of a genuinely happy occasion. We believe this helps you host a party that will be remembered long after the last scoop has been eaten.

Ready to Roll?

An ice cream van is a simple, joyful, and wonderfully effective way to make your Manchester event that little bit more special. It brings people together, sparks conversations, and provides a delicious treat that everyone will love.

So, are you ready to add a scoop of happiness to your celebration? Take a look at the fantastic range of ice cream vans for hire in Manchester on Poptop. With instant quotes, direct booking, and our dedicated support, your perfect party treat is just a few clicks away.