More chaos at Manchester's new venue

Peter Kay’s shows to open Manchester’s new Co-op Live venue have been postponed AGAIN.

The comic was due to open the 23,500-capacity arena last Monday, but the shows were delayed by a week at the last minute.

Now the crisis-hit venue has revealed it is still not ready to open, so has pulled next week’s gigs again.

Kay said on Twitter: ‘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).’

The new dates will be May 23 and 24, with the comic adding: ‘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.’

Fans expressed their disappointment and fury at shelling out on travel and hotels, which they may not be able to get refunded.

The news comes as general manager Gary Roden resigned after a series of problems and delays at the £365million venue.

He also faced a  backlash over comments that some small music venues were ‘poorly run’. 

When Kay’s original dates were rescheduled the  arena said work on its power supply was ‘a few days’ behind schedule.

The Black Keys, who were set to play a reduced 10,000-capacity show at the venue tomorrow, 27 April, have been rescheduled to May. 15.

Last weekend,  Co-op Live hosted an 11,000-capacity test event featuring Rick Astley  but was forced to cancel some tickets just hours beforehand.

Published: 26 Apr 2024