The brand new Co-op Live arena in Manchester was due to open tomorrow evening (April 23) with a performance from Peter Kay however the show has now been cancelled. The comedian’s second gig at the venue on Wednesday evening (April 24) has also been cancelled and rescheduled.
Due to open the UK’s largest and most sustainable arena, Co-op Live has announced today that both Peter Kay shows have been cancelled and rescheduled for the following week due to work not yet complete on the venue. The council’s building control is also yet to sign the building off.
A spokesperson for Co-op Live said: “Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay. These dates will move from 23 April and 24 April to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April.
“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.
“Peter Kay has very graciously agreed to perform his record-breaking comedy at Co-op Live on 29 (rescheduled from 23) and 30 (rescheduled from 24) April 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 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 Bolton-born comedian, Peter Kay, said: “I’m truly gutted as 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.”
Co-op Live, added: “We can’t wait to welcome fans to Co-op Live for our official grand opening events with Peter Kay, and to showcase Co-op Live at its very best. We will still be hosting The Black Keys on 27 April in the lower bowl with 10K fans as planned, and will continue to test the resilience of the venue and its operations.”
Manchester City Council’s building control department cannot issue a completion certificate while work is still ongoing at the site. However, the venue could still operate without this certificate after presenting council bosses with a mitigation strategy to manage potential risks, although details of this plan have not been made public.
Peter Kay shows on April 23 and 24 at Co-op Live have been cancelled and are now expected to take place on April 29 and 30 instead. Didn’t get tickets? Keep your eyes peeled as due to the rescheduling of the two shows, tickets may become available.