MANCHESTER, UK (CelebrityAccess) — Co-Op Live, Manchester’s brand new £325 million arena, has run into some snags ahead of its planned debut at the end of the month.
The venue was forced to scale back on a test show on Saturday featuring Rick Astley due to technical issues. According to the BBC, work was still being done on the arena’s electrical system, which limited the venue’s capacity and forced the cancellation of numerous tickets for the show.
Additionally, the official grand opening shows, featuring British comedian Peter Kay, were pushed back by a week. Originally set for April 23rd and 24th, the shows will now take place on April 29th and 30th.
“Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay,” the venue announced. “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.”
“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,” Peter Kay added, including the emoji for crossed fingers.
The arena’s first official concert, a show by the Black Keys, is still on the books for April 27th at press time.
