Peter Kay shows at UK's biggest new arena Co-op Live postponed again

Some tickets might be available for the new dates

Peter Kay
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 22nd Apr 2024
Last updated 26th Apr 2024

Back in February, excitement was brewing after the announcement of the opening act for the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester, Peter Kay. However, the first two events have now been postponed.

On 22nd April, Peter announced the first postponement, revealing he would now be bringing his record-breaking tour to the venue when it opens on the 29th and 30th April. Sharing the new dates, he wrote: 'Following Coop Live’s first test event on Saturday, regretfully the venue operators have made the difficult decision to reschedule the two opening performances by Peter Kay. These dates will move from 23 April and 24 Wednesday to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April.'

However, just days later, Peter tweeted again to confirm the dates had been moved once again, revealing his shows will now take place on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April.

Peter tweeted: '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).

Why has the event been postponed?

Co-op Live shared a statement on social media, explaining why they've decided to postpone the opening night performance of Peter Kay. They wrote: '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.'

A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "We respect the decision by Co-op Live to rearrange their first public events at the new arena. Although no doubt disappointing for both the venue and those who were attending the first shows this week, it is the right decision if they feel the venue is not ready to welcome visitors and their systems aren't fully tested.

“The Council will continue to work closely with the venue as they push to complete the arena and prepare to host their first official shows."

On Friday 26th April, Co-Op Live released another statement, revealing The Black Keys show has also been postponed.

Read the full statement below:

Who will be performing at Co-op Live?

As well as Peter Kay, other acts who have been announced for the venue over the coming months include Hits Live, Harry Styles, The Eagles, Olivia Rodrigo, Take That, Pearl Jam, Eric Clapton and Nicki Minaj.

When will Peter Kay be performing at Co-op Live?

May 2024

Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April.

Manchester, Co-op Live - Thur 23rd

Manchester, Co-op Live - Fri 24th

When does Co-op Live open?

It looks like the venue will now open on 1st May. The venue, which has 23,500 seats is the largest in the UK and will offer an unparalleled fan experience.

When are tickets on sale for Peter Kay?

Tickets for Peter Kay are on sale now from from Aloud.com

Where is Co-op Live?

Co-op Live is in Manchester, its address is Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU.

What is Co-op Live?

Co-op Live is a brand new arena in Manchester, set to open on 29th April 2024. The arena aims to be Europe’s most sustainable arena. It will be 100% electric with solar panels, and recycling rain water in the toilets and for watering plants. It will also use reusable cups to reduce the usage of plastic.

Speaking about the announcement, Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live, said: "When you think of Manchester, it’s hard not to think of Peter Kay. He embodies what this city is about, and to have him headlining Co-op Live is tremendously exciting. We’re creating an arena that is truly part of the community around it, and having Peter as our opening act is a perfect reminder of that.”

Take a look through other tours coming up across the country:

Myles Smith

Myles Smith has announced his biggest solo tour due to take place in February 2025. His tour, called the 'We Were Never Strangers' tour, will start on 15th February in Leeds, before finishing in London on 26th February.

Craig David

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Sabrina Carpenter

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She's also announced she'll headline American Express Presents BST Hyde Park, in London, on Saturday 5th July.

Usher

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Sean Paul and Ashanti

Sean Paul and Ashanti are teaming up for a collaborative tour in April 2025, playing dates across the UK and Ireland. The tour will kick off in Belfast on 9th April with both Ashanti and Sean Paul, before Sean plays solo in Aberdeen and Newcastle. Ashanti will then re-join the tour for dates in Leeds, Glasgow, Nottingham, London, Birmingham and Manchester, with Sean finishing the tour on his own in Cardiff, Brighton and Bournemouth.

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Olly Murs has announced a huge 16 date UK and Ireland tour for April and May 2025. The tour is to celebrate 15 years in music, and he will be joined by special guests Blue.

Gary Barlow

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Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue has announced her latest tour will be called 'The Tension Tour' and will take place in the UK throughout May 2025. Speaking about her tour, Kylie said: "I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can't wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It's been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!"

Scissor Sisters

The Scissors Sisters are returning for a UK tour, performing in Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Leeds, Birmingham and more in May 2025. The last time the band were on tour was back in 2012 with their 'Let's Have A Kiki Tour', named after a song on their fourth album 'Magic Hour'. This new tour will feature Jake Shears, Babydaddy and Del Marquis and celebrate the release of their debut album.

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Sam Fender

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Dua Lipa

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Olivia Rodrigo

Despite only recently finishing her 'Guts World Tour', 'Vampire' singer Olivia Rodrigo has announced more UK tour dates for 2025. She'll be heading to London's Hyde Park for American Express presents BST Hyde Park on Friday 27th June. She'll also be heading to Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena for her rescheduled set on Monday 30th June and Tuesday 1st July, after problems with the venue forced cancellation at the eleventh hour in May 2024.

The Script

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Billie Eilish

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Coldplay

Coldplay announced eight-date UK stadium tour in September 2024. The tour will take place in London and Hull, with two dates at Hull's Craven Park Stadium, and six at London's Wembley Stadium, in August 2025.

One Republic

One Republic will be heading out on tour in September 2025. The band behind huge hit 'Counting Stars' will be joined by special guest, Ella Henderson as they head to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham for the 'Escape to Europe 2025 Tour'.

Busted Vs McFly

Busted and McFly are teaming up for an ultimate battle of the bands tour in 2025, playing dates across the UK in September and October 2025. The tour is called Busted Vs McFly.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry is never afraid to put on a show, and she'll be doing just that in London, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Glasgow in October 2025. She revealed in November 2024 that she'll be bringing 'The Lifetimes Tour' to the UK.

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