Manchester's Co-op Arena cancels Peter Kay's opening gig with just 24 hours to go
ITV Granada Reports Entertainment Correspondent Caroline Whitmore attended the test event and was not surprised by the announcement
The UK's largest and newest arena has postponed its opening night with just 24 hours notice after work failed to finish on time.
Bolton-comedian Peter Kay was due to perform two shows at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, on Tuesday 23 April and Wednesday 24 April.
However, the gigs have been cancelled with less than a day to go after a test event on Saturday found issues with the power supply in certain parts of the venue.
The highly-anticipated show was set to act as the grand opening for the city's flagship new venue, the largest in the UK.But just the day before, it has been announced that both shows have been cancelled with work not yet complete on the Eastlands venue.
The council's building control is also yet to sign the building off.
Instead, Peter Kay will perform on Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April, a week later than planned.
What this means for ticket holders:
All tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performances.
Ticket providers will be getting in touch with customers with details.
For those who now cannot attend, a full refund will be available.
It has not yet been confirmed whether pre-booked parking will carry over, or if customers will have to re-book.
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 Black Keys' performance on Saturday 27 April is still scheduled to go ahead.
In a statement, 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.
"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.
"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 spokesman for Manchester City Council said the decision to postpone shows was one made entirely by the venue.
It is understood 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, 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.”