The brand new Co-op Live arena in Manchester has announced that the venue will not open this weekend, with The Black Keys and Peter Kay gigs both cancelled and rescheduled for a later date. The Black Keys were due to perform this weekend (April 27) at the £365m venue, however the concert will now take place on May 15.
Peter Kay was due to open the UK’s largest and most sustainable venue earlier this week on April 23, but 24 hours before the event it was rescheduled to next week. However, due to the venue needing extra time to “continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly”, Peter Kay is now set to perform at Co-op Live on May 23 and 24. With these cancellations, the first gig at the 23,500 venue will now be A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on May 1, followed by performances from Olivia Rodrigo on May 3 and 4.
Announcing the news of the events being cancelled and postponed, Co-op Live said: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans. To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.
“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.
“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend. We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause.
“Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”
A joint statement from Manchester City Council and Emergency Services following the announcement by Co-op Live in regards to their planned opening, said: “As a whole group we support the decision of Co-op Live to step down the event tomorrow, and we will continue to work together as they move to completion. We have discussed with the Co-op Live venue this week the actions that they needed to take ahead of their planned public opening and while a considerable amount of work has taken place, and learning taken from last week’s test event, we all agree that there is more to complete before the venue can welcome audiences safely.
“Whilst we understand this will be disappointing, we cannot compromise on public safety. Our focus is, and always will be, the wellbeing of residents and visitors to our city. Following last Saturday’s test event, where temporary mitigations were put in place, we were assured that our concerns about the venue would be addressed before a public opening. That work is continuing as they move to welcoming events with larger audience numbers.
“The elements outstanding include a fully tested emergency services communication system, and some remaining internal security systems, and fire safety measures. Work is progressing quickly in all of these areas, and all partners involved look forward to the venue being open and able to welcome guests safely once they are completed.”
Also letting gig-goers know Peter Kay said: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience. Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either)…
“…Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable. It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”
Peter Kay shows on April 29 and 30 at Co-op Live have been cancelled and are now expected to take place on May 23 and 24 instead and The Black Keys will also now play on May 15. Didn’t get tickets? Keep your eyes peeled as due to the rescheduling of the shows, tickets may become available.