Co-Op Live Arena postpone Peter Kay for a second time
Manchester City Council say the outstanding elements include a fully tested emergency services communication system, and fire safety measures
Last updated 26th Apr 2024
Manchester's brand new Co-op Live arena has had to postpone Peter Kay for a second time.
Bosses have announced they're delaying its opening again, meaning The Black Keys and Peter Kay gigs have been moved to May.
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 and measures 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.
"Today’s announcement comes with reassurance that we will welcome fans to Co-op Live from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie on 1 May, and into Olivia Rodrigo on 3 and 4 May 2024.
"As we make this very difficult decision, we thank Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, our staff and wider stakeholders for their continued dedication to Co-op Live."
Tim Leiweke, Chairman and CEO, Oak View Group adds: “It’s always been very important to me that we only open Co-op Live when it is safe and appropriate to do so, and rescheduling The Black Keys and Peter Kay gives the dedicated team the time and space needed to finalise systems and measures. I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to every fan that has been impacted by this decision and others this week, and join the full team in thanking them for their continued patience and support as we prepare to open our doors.”
A statement from the Co-op Group: “As the naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live, we are very disappointed in the delayed opening of the venue and fully recognise the disruption this has caused to affected ticket holders, many of whom are Co-op Members.
“Co-op Live is an incredible venue and is a force for good for Manchester, our region and the UK as a whole. We look forward to seeing the venue fully open in accordance with the timescales provided by OVG today.”
A statement by Manchester City Council and emergency services 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.”