Co-op Live: Peter Kay and The Black Keys gigs pushed back to May - what ticket holders need to know

Co-op Live, Manchester’s new 23,500 capacity music venue, has been forced to delay its grand opening once again. The venue has announced that both The Black Keys show and the double header Peter Kay gigs next week have been postponed. 

The Peter Kay shows had already been pushed back once, and the Bolton comedian was due to open the arena on April 23 and 24. He will now perform at Co-op Live on May 23 and 24. 

The first postponement of Peter Kay’s shows did then mean that American rock duo The Black Keys were due to be the first official show. This gig was given a reduced capacity of 10,000 and set to take place on April 27, however they will now take to the stage on May 15. 

The further postponements come at the end of a nightmare week for the new arena. From the test event on April 20 having its capacity cut at the last minute, to the resignation of general manager Gary Roden, the arena has rarely been out of the headlines and not for good reasons. 

What do I do if I have a ticket for Peter Kay or The Black Keys?

The announcement from Co-op Live came with information for ticket holders for both of these gigs. The venue has announced that “ ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase,” and that refunds will be available for those who can’t attend. 

What has Co-op Live said? 

Co-op Live updated followers and ticket holders with a statement on social media. The venue has said that the two acts ‘graciously agreed’ to rearrange their shows. 

“Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans. To ensure we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows. 

“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on May 15 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on May 23 and 24 2024.

“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who no longer attend. We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause.  

“Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”

Manchester City Council and Emergency Services joint statement

“As a whole group we support the decision of Co-op Live to step down the event tomorrow, and we will continue to work together as they move to completion. We have discussed with the Co-op Live venue this week the actions that they needed to take ahead of their planned public opening and while a considerable amount of work has taken place, and learning taken from last week’s test event, we all agree that there is more to complete before the venue can welcome audiences safely.   

“Whilst we understand this will be disappointing, we cannot compromise on public safety. Our focus is, and always will be, the wellbeing of residents and visitors to our city. Following last Saturday’s test event, where temporary mitigations were put in place, we were assured that our concerns about the venue would be addressed before a public opening. That work is continuing as they move to welcoming events with larger audience numbers.  

“The elements outstanding include a fully tested emergency services communication system, and some remaining internal security systems, and fire safety measures.   

“Work is progressing quickly in all of these areas, and all partners involved look forward to the venue being open and able to welcome guests safely once they are completed.”