Manchester’s new Co-Op Live arena “regretfully” postpone opening shows from Peter Kay

22 April, 2024

Peter Kay

Organisers at Manchester’s new Co-Op Live arena have postponed their opening Peter Kay shows.

The Bolton comedian was due to perform tomorrow (April 23) and Wednesday (April 24) but following a test gig featuring Rick Astley at the weekend, it has been decided that the dates will be moved to next Monday (April 29) and Tuesday (30) due to the venue’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.

A statement from the venue said: “Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay. It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind.

“Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size.”

All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase.

The venue said refunds would be available for any ticketholders who could no longer attend the event, and flagged that the date change might mean new tickets become available for fans who missed out the first time round.

The venue added: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause for some. We are thrilled to welcome Peter Kay as our grand opening act just a few days later than planned.”

The statement also confirmed that the venue will still be hosting The Black Keys this Saturday (April 27).

Kay meanwhile issued a statement saying he was “truly gutted” about the postponement.

He added: “I know how disappointing this will be for everyone with tickets, but obviously it’s a brand-new venue and it’s important that everything is finished and safe for full capacity audiences.

“Fortunately, we’ve been able to reschedule the shows to next week, (I’ll have to miss my Bums & Tums class) but hopefully I’ll see you then.”

Liam Gallagher, Take That, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo and Keane are among the acts who have been announced to perform at Co-Op Live in the coming months. It’ll also stage the 2024 MTV European Music Awards later this year.

Recently, Co-Op Live and the existing, 21-000 capacity AO Arena in the city came to blows in a licensing row. ASM Global, which operates the latter venue, objected over “public safety” concerns and accused the application for a licence as being “simply unlawful”.

Despite the row, the venue officially had its licence granted last month.

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