AO Arena has today unveiled plans for a brand-new range of ‘luxury experiences’ as part of its £50 million redevelopment.
As Manchester‘s flagship entertainment venue undergoes its major transformational redevelopment over the next three years, and continues to expand and elevate its premium portfolio, the venue has today unveiled exciting plans for a brand-new and exclusive ‘members only’ state-of-art luxury suite, bar and restaurant.
Called ‘The Mezz’, and set to open in early 2024 – with bookings being taken from this month – the new level promises to take guests “above and beyond the show” through two connected experiences.
The new premium bar and restaurant will serve up the best in modern British cuisine, champagne, fine wines, signature cocktails, and post-show entertainment – with freshly-prepared modern dishes using local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by an expertly-crafted wine list, and “impeccable service timed to perfection”.
AO Arena has unveiled plans for a new ‘luxury’ suite, bar, and restaurant / Credit: AO Arena
Master mixologists will pour champagne, and prepare a wide range of cocktails and mocktails accompanied with snacks and sharing platters.
Guests will have an unrivalled view of the arena bowl and world-famous stage from The Mezz, as well as direct access to the best seats in the house, and then after the show, the bar will stay open with a DJ on the decks to keep the party going.
The AO Arena says The Mezz will be “the ultimate space” to start and end a night of live entertainment.
The Mezz promises to take guests “above and beyond the show” / Credit: AO Arena
Speaking on the unveiling of the plans for The Mezz, Jen Mitchell – General Manager at AO Arena – said: “With our redevelopment works well underway, we are absolutely delighted to announce the launch of The Mezz – a stunning new suite, premium bar and restaurant for guests right here in Manchester city centre.
“There will of course be access to watch the shows from some of the best seats in the house.
“We’re incredibly proud to be elevating AO Arena as we drive ahead to a bright future, so it’s fantastic to be able to reveal this latest addition in the works as part of our state-of-the-art premium portfolio.”
The AO Arena says The Mezz will form part of the long-term vision and investment to “future-proof” the venue as it looks ahead to exciting times at the heart of the action in Manchester city centre.
The AO Arena is currently going through a three-year £50 million redevelopment project / Credit: AO Arena
As well as The Mezz, customers will also see upgraded concourse areas with revamped bars and new menu offerings that “cater for diverse and evolving food and drink requirements”, all opening throughout 2023 and into 2024 as part of the redevelopment plans.
And crucially, the floor space within the arena’s main bowl is being expanded as part of the redevelopment to allow for increased capacity.
A huge house and disco music festival is taking place just on the border of Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
Not ready for Oasis fever or festival season to be over? Well, lucky for you, there’s still plenty more live music happening this summer – and if you’re into your house, electronic, disco and dance music, there’s an event happening just outside of 0161 next weekend.
Fancy a little trip out to Cheshire?
Yes, over in the lovely suburb of Wilmslow, the increasingly popular House and Vocal Disco Fest returns for 2025, promising plenty of energy, loads of local food and drink vendors, as well as non-stop tunage all day long.
Speaking ahead of their comeback this year, the organisers say: “Whether you’re reliving the glory days of clubland or discovering disco classics for the first time, House & Vocal Disco Fest 2025 is set to deliver the ultimate summer soundtrack.”
Hosted at the Phoenix Sports Club (no, as funny as it would be, there’s no connection to Peter Kay or Paddy McGuinness) near Styal, only a short drive from the town centre,
Booked for this year’s festival is chart-topping headliner DJ and Kiss FM presenter, Majestic, best known for his huge remixes and viral house hits.
Speaking of which, local artist, producer and co-creator Jon Fitz, who has recently opened his own bar, Fizpatrick’s in the heart of Stockport, will also be performing 20 years on from the release of his timeless classic, ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’.
Legendary DJ Allister Whitehead and fellow veteran, Lifford – the velvety voice behind many soulful house music favourites – will also be alongside Fitz and co. as they turn those old market village vibes into one big dancefloor.
Excited to get back behind the decks, Fitz told The Manc: “Now in our third year — and our biggest yet — we’re bringing something truly spectacular to Cheshire. People can expect boutique vibes, intimate energy. This isn’t just a festival, it’s an experience. House & Vocal do things differently”
Once again, festival-goers can expect a day packed with uplifting tunes, a feel-good North West crowd living it large not too far from Greater Manchester, as well as all the perks of a local boutique festival setup too.
Taking place on Saturday, 26 July at Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club from 12 noon until late, all early bird and VIP passes have sold out, but general admission is still available for £38.75 – and that’s including your booking fees.
You can find out more on House and Vocal Disco Fest 2025, as well as grab your tickets, right HERE.
Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning
Daisy Jackson
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – just in time for the next Oasis gigs.
The weather service is forecasting ‘heavy rain, with some thunderstorms’ on Saturday, the day of the fourth Oasis homecoming show in Heaton Park.
The opening two Oasis Live ’25 shows at Heaton Park took place under cloudless blue skies with temperatures upwards of 30°C – but that doesn’t feel very authentically Manc, does it?
It’s looking like it’s all about to take a turn back towards normal Manchester weather for the final two shows.
The yellow weather warning is currently in place across Greater Manchester and much of the UK until 9pm on Saturday 19 July.
According to the Met Office, heavy rain is likely in Prestwich from midday until 5pm on Saturday, easing off to light rain until 7pm and then (hopefully) dry by the time Oasis take the stage at Heaton Park.
Emily Sergeant -
11th May 2023 
