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.
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.
The lighting scheme mimics the feel of a high-end boutique hotel with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Subtle illumination creates a flowing harmony between the venue floor and The Mezz.
Photos: Andrew Meredith.