“Absolutely gutted.”
Peter Kay’s first two gigs at the brand new Co-op Live Arena in Manchester have been cancelled just 24 hours before the legendary comedian was set to go on stage.
The massively-anticipated shows, which were announced earlier this year, were set to be the opening gigs for the city’s brand new venue.
Today, just one day before the shows were set to commence, both gigs have been cancelled as work is not yet complete on what is to be the largest venue in the United Kingdom.
The council’s building control is also yet to sign the building off, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Both of the shows are set to be rescheduled for next week on Monday and Tuesday.
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 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.”
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.”
The new 23,500-seater arena is set to be the UK’s largest indoor space, with other acts such as Liam Gallagher, Take That, Pearl Jam and Olivia Rodrigo already set to play there some point this year.
Gary Roden, general manager of the new arena, previously told BBC that Kay was a “perfect” opening act for the venue as he “embodies what this city is about”.
“When you think of Manchester, it’s hard not to think of Peter Kay,” Roden added.
“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.”
Read next:
- Viggo Venn says he’s ’embarrassed’ by Britain’s Got Talent win
- Britain’s Got Talent star given year to live after rare cancer diagnosis
