Peter Kay ‘gutted’ as opening performances for new arena postponed

Manchester’s Co-op Live was due to officially open this week with performances from the comedian
Peter Kay pictured above
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Comedian Peter Kay has said he is “truly gutted” after opening performances of a new arena were postponed with less than 48 hours’ notice.

Manchester’s Co-op Live – which will be the largest arena in the UK, seating 23,500 people – was due to officially open this week with shows from the Bolton-born comic on Tuesday and Wednesday.

But, after capacity for a test event on Saturday was reduced with just hours’ notice, the arena announced on Monday that Kay’s performances would instead take place on April 29 and 30.

In a statement posted on X by Co-op Live, 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 and Tums class) but hopefully I’ll see you then.”

A spokesman for the arena, which is next door to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, 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 Wednesday 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.”

US rock band The Black Keys are still due to play the arena on April 27, before Kay's rescheduled dates, but venue said the gig would have a 10,000 capacity and managers would use it to "continue to test the resilience of the venue and its operations".

The venue, built by developer the Oak View Group, was given planning permission in 2020 and boasted an investment from popstar Harry Styles.

The developers said the £350 million project would created 3,500 jobs during construction and a further 1,000 once the venue opened.

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