DJ KC Leigh
Our favourite glitter ball DJ will be back for her third year, keeping the party rocking ’til long past our usual bedtimes, and this year she’s bringing her rockstar drummer sidekick to spice things up!
Home / Christmas party
★ Thursday 10 December 2026, Manchester
Picture it… 150+ business owners, founders and freelancers filling a festive Mancunian railway arch. The noise is joy, not small talk. The mood is possibility, not pretence.
Free for HoLT members. 7pm, 53two, Manchester.
Picture it…
You walk into the twinkling venue to be welcomed by a sea of friendly faces, the room radiating warmth and a vibe of true acceptance.
People aren’t shoving business cards in your face, or looking for someone more useful to talk to over your shoulder. They want to know you, and talk of business evolves naturally, not robotically.
The drinks are sparkling almost as much as the smiles. Laughter fills the room as people who only know each other online spot each other, hug, and celebrate finally being face to face in the real world.
This annual event is for everyone, because we’re tired of the lonely solopreneur life and we crave the opportunity to celebrate surviving another year of business ownership, together.
(but no knobs, obviously)
All this and more.
Backdoor Barry is back
You all loved him so much last year, we’re bringing him back again. He’ll keep the riff raff out, the dance floor filled, and a smile on everyone’s face with his cheeky ways!
And…
We’re switching things up this year with a seriously talented piano karaoke duo. Throw any song at them and we’ll all belt out our best karaoke as a group, while the drinks and good vibes flow. There’s a photo wall too, so bring your best poses!
Last year’s party.
Everything you need to know.
When is this unmissable event happening?+
7pm, Thursday 10 December.
Where should I bring my beautiful self?+
53two, Arch 19 Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4LP.
How do I get there?+
The venue is a 5 minute walk from Deansgate station in central Manchester, or a 10 minute taxi from Manchester Piccadilly or 15 minutes from Manchester Victoria. Manchester trams also run very close to the venue.
What’s the cost?+
Tickets are free for all HoLT members as long as your membership is active at the time of the event. If you cancel your membership before the party, your ticket will be reallocated to someone else.
Is the venue accessible?+
Yes. The whole venue is on one level, fully wheelchair accessible, with no stairs and 12 accessible toilets. It’s also a theatre used by the disabled community in Manchester, so it has the best facilities, whatever your abilities.
What’s included with my ticket?+
A free welcome drink, then the bar is open to buy your own. We’re not catering this event, so please eat before you arrive (especially if you’re partaking in alcohol!).
What’s the dress code?+
Whatever makes you feel festively fabulous! Your comfort is the most important thing to us.
Can I bring a friend?+
This year we’re not selling tickets publicly to non-members. If you’d like to bring a friend or a partner, email team@the-holt.com and they can buy a ticket for £99 (inc VAT).
How do I cancel?+
If you can no longer make it, let the team know at team@the-holt.com.
But I don’t know anyone else going and I’m an introvert!+
People worry about this every year, but within 5 minutes of walking in some friendly soul has become their new BFF. Lea will be there to greet you and introduce you to others, and she makes a real effort with this. We also start a WhatsApp chat before the event so you can get to know one another: make travel buddies, plan outfits and share selfies so you recognise each other. You’ll feel at home before you’ve even stepped through the door.
Any other questions? Email team@the-holt.com and we’ll get back to you asap.
What members say.
Counting down
“My favourite event of the year. I already have the countdown clock running!”
Glam galore
“It’s like arriving at the A-list event of the year. If you get past Backdoor Barry, you’re welcomed by sparkles & smiles & glam galore!”
Massive hug
“The HoLT Christmas party was my first experience of what life inside the HoLT was like… I didn’t know anyone…. I was greeted at the door with a massive hug from someone I was connected to on LinkedIn and the hugs didn’t stop! Everyone was so unbelievably lovely & welcoming. Lea greeted me by name and genuinely knew who I was! I think I’d join just for the Christmas party! 🥳”
Truly special
“It was like walking into a room full of friends. I had such a fun night I even stayed until the end because I was having such a good time. Can’t wait until next time!”
Worth flying for
“Lea throws the best Christmas Parties! I’ve flown from Barcelona to Manchester and London to attend them, IN WINTER. Enough said!”
Warm and welcoming
“When I attended my first HoLT party I was as a nearly member and hoped I’d get the chance to say hello to Lea. But Lea came over to me, knew my name and introduced herself. I was bowled over that Lea knew all her members and was so warm and welcoming.”
I loved it
“The Christmas party was amazeballs. The level of thought and detail that Lea personally put into everything really shone through. I didn’t know anyone when attending and despite being out of my comfort zone made myself go and loved it.”