The AO Arena in Manchester, England, one of Europe’s biggest music venues since the mid-1990s, featuring Pop headliners like Lorde and Katy Perry in 2025, underwent significant redevelopment to offer a greater number of music fans a more dynamic experience. The venue now includes standing room for an additional 6,200 people and a host of new spots serving stylish refreshments. The Mezz is one such establishment, a high-end restaurant and bar connecting guests to VIP seats and providing Michelin-star dishes in addition to a panoramic view of the stage. With a bar that remains open during and after the show and live DJs that keep the party pumping with post-show vibes, The Mezz and the broader project features work by lighting designer Faye Robinson and fixtures supplied by Light Forms.
Photos: Andrew Meredith
Nova62 Track Spot lights and Powergear Track lights support Robinson’s design intent focused on contrast, while TinCan downlights provide comfortable optics and slim, linear Micro S Profile fixtures add to the overall minimalist aesthetic
Subtle illumination creates a flowing harmony between the venue floor and The Mezz.
The lighting scheme mimics the feel of a high-end boutique hotel with a warm, inviting atmosphere.