Co-op Live: Take That and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gigs moved to the AO Arena after cancellation

Take That will now be performing their gigs at Manchester's AO Arena after the Co-op Live Arena had to postpone their opening night for a third time.

The music venue announced the move on social media. It said: "Welcome back, Take That! The band synonymous with the city of Manchester returns to AO Arena for 5 nights on Tuesday 7th May, Thursday 9th May, Friday 10th May, Saturday 11th May & Sunday 12th May.

In an Instagram post Take That said: “Given the ongoing technical issues around the opening of Co-op Live we have taken the difficult decision to move our May shows to the AO Arena where we have enjoyed many great nights over the years.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but we wanted to give our fans as much notice as possible.”

The new music venue has postponed its opening numerous times.

Ticket providers will be in touch directly to manage ticket changes and queries.

American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie will also perform there after his gig at the crisis-hit Co-Op Live Arena was cancelled last minute.

The 28-year-old was due to perform at the brand new £365 million music venue but a series of safety issues has forced the venue to postpone its opening for the third time.

Disappointed fans of the Bronx musician were turned away minutes after the doors were supposed to open on Wednesday, 1 May, after part of an air conditioning unit fell from the ceiling during sound check.

But that gig will now take place at the AO Arena, in Manchester city centre, with the rapper announcing the news on X.

He said: "Yesterday's cancelled Manchester show has been rescheduled for this Saturday at AO Arena! We won't give up that easy let's go!"

Posting on Instagram, show promoters Live Nation shared the rapper's UK tour dates, with a poster showing a 'rescheduled show' for Saturday, 4 May.

It said that original tickets, for the 1 May gig at Co-op Live would be valid, and the show will feature special guests Fridayy and Byron Messia.

Ticket holders are expected to be contacted in due course with further information.

It is also understood British band Keane, known for songs like 'Somewhere Only We know' and 'Everybody's Changing', have had their show postponed “due to ongoing technical issues." They were due to perform at Co-Op Live on Sunday 5 May.

On Instagram, the band said: “We’re absolutely gutted not to be able to celebrate 20 years of Hopes And Fears with you at the Co-Op Live on Sunday.

“This is due to ongoing technical issues at the venue and is entirely beyond our control.”

The statement added: “We are really disappointed that this has happened and are doing all we can to re-schedule the show.”

The venue is being “monitored closely” as work continues to complete the multi-million pound arena, which was due to officially open with a performance from Peter Kay on 23 April.

The “embarrassing” fiasco has led to questions and criticism of how the arena’s opening has been handled.

The main contractor for the arena, the construction firm BAM said: “The safety of fans and staff is our number one priority.

“Unfortunately, in the run-up to last night’s concert, an issue arose that meant the difficult decision was made to cancel the event.

“We apologise for the inconvenience that this has caused for many. Our team continues to work diligently on completing works to the arena.”

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