Upon arrival greeted with stilt walkers and a performance, ao are celebrating their latest 5 m renovations in style.
A Topping Out Ceremony “in building construction, topping out (sometimes referred to as topping off) is a builders’ rite traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed atop a structure during its construction. Nowadays, the ceremony is often parlayed into a media event for public relations purposes.”
Queuing up in anticipation, greeted with Champagne and nibbles served by people in smart evening wear, feeling like royalty. This was the VIP entry to the Topping Out Ceremony with Andy Burnham and Blossoms!
Hard hats at the ready we awaited the grand tour, Personal Safety Equipment was needed as the work is still ongoing.
The revamp has brought new ‘members only restaurant’ Mezz to be enjoyed by event goers as well as new bars in this downstairs area as well as a newer capacity for standing gig goers.
Above they have new state of the art technology on the door as well as a wider range of beverages to be distributed throughout the venues, new heating and ventilation as well as boasting better acoustics in the venue itself!
They have brand new sponsors Purple Heart Wishes, helping young adults enjoy days out- find our more about their cause below.
https://www.purpleheartwishes.org
There was a hard hat wearing D.J as well as a dance performance followed by some talks from important staff members that have helped in the new renovation as well as working for ao Arena in senior roles.
Next we had a speech from the mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham. He talked of what joy this could bring the City as well as introducing Stockport band Blossoms to the stage.
” You’ve all had memorable nights here, and obviously it will forever be in the cities story it is a significant place for so many reasons will always be at the heart of The Greater Manchester Story.”
“We are all here for the major redevelopment and we’re all excited about it and I bet you are as well, this is going to be an exciting period for the ao what it does is with everything else going on in the city it cements our status U.K’s capital of music indeed. A global capital of music when you look across our city to our smallest venues this is the biggest we’ve just got everything covered, every single basis covered, stuff going on every single night of the week that’s bringing people here from all over the country.
There is so much happening in Manchester even more is going to be happening because of this, I’d just like to thank everybody for playing a part in making it happen and obviously we’re proud of ao for a Greater Manchester founded company Bolton founded company.
Thanks to all the people and the construction partners who are playing a part in the major redevelopment we see the amazing work you’ve done and we really appreciate it. We know part of the commitment going forward is the ao Arena will be making a commitment to other venues in the city as well supporting grassroots community work. So it is dead exciting it really is, this place is part of our story, part of our individual story but it will forever be part of the cities and the city regions story.
This place means a lot to us and its great to see it go in to this new era and exciting new phase.”
Andy Burnham City Mayor.
Musik Magazine 2024
