Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena postpone upcoming shows with The Black Keys and Peter Kay

Yesterday, Gary Roden, general manager of the UK's biggest indoor arena announced his resignation due to the issues related to its opening. Now, the Co-Op arena have shared their own statement announcing further postponements.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, they wrote: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co- op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans. To ensure that 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.”

An important update from Co-op Live pic.twitter.com/Yr9FQZajSf

— Co-op Live (@TheCoopLive) April 26, 2024

“Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly,” the statement continued. "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.”

Last Saturday, capacity for a test event was reduced with just hours’ notice, which signals that the venue is still unable to operate in a safe way, with its proposed capacity of 23,500.