Peter Kay has shared his disappointment over the news that his opening performances at a new arena have been postponed this week with less than 48 hours notice.
The comedian, 50, was due to open Manchester's newly built Co-op Live, expected to be the largest indoor arena in Europe, which boasts seating for 23,500 spectators. His two shows had been scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. They have however been postponed after capacity for a test event on Saturday was reduced with just hours' notice. The venue announced on Monday that Peter's performances are now scheduled for April 29 and 30.
He expressed his regret in a statement issued by Co-op Live on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: "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."
He continued: "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."
Peter Kay was due to perform at Manchester's Co-op Live arena later this week (Men Media)A spokesman for the arena, which is located next to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, said: "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."
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"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."
They added: "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."
The shows however have been postponed and have been rescheduled for next week (X / @TheCoopLive)The venue, which was built by developer the Oak View Group, is said to have been given planning permission back in 2020 and reportedly boasted an investment from singer-songwriter Harry Styles. The developers reportedly said that the £350 million project would create 3,500 jobs during construction and a further 1,000 once the venue opened.
A spokesman for Manchester City Council told the PA news agency that the decision to postpone shows was made entirely by the venue. The PA news agency has said that it understands a practical completion certificate has not been issued by the authority's building control department because there are elements of the building which have not yet been completed, however, PA adds that that would not prevent the venue from operating.
The council spokesman 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."
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