gigs and tours peter kay sheffield 2023

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Peter Kay Live

• Fri 18 Apr 2025 Start 8pm prompt Find Tickets
• Sat 19 Apr 2025 Start 8pm prompt Find Tickets

*Event timings issued are a guideline only and may be earlier or later than originally published.

PETER KAY LIVE

EXTRA DATES ADDED FOR 2023 AND BEYOND

Following the announcement of a nationwide arena tour and a record-breaking monthly residency at The O2, London; one of Britain’s best loved comedians, Peter Kay has announced extra dates for 2023 and beyond…

The extra dates include shows in Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and more.

With an astonishing 28 th show added to the London residency at The O2.

Additionally, there will be British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances on selected dates.

“It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now”

“And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35. The same price they were on my previous tour in 2010”

Peter’s 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time.

Playing to over 1.2 million people.

BSL Performance Information

Please note the 05 May 2023 performance will be a signed performance by a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter. Tickets for this service can be purchased through our Accessible Bookings Line on 0141 576 3230  (open Mon-Fri 9am-2pm)

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• 18 - 19 Apr 2025
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Peter Kay tour dates 2023: Full list of UK venues, how to get tickets and what we know about prices

The star comedian has vowed that ticket prices will be affordable amid the cost of living crisis.

Peter Kay has announced the news that he will be returning to stand-up comedy, 12 years after his last tour.

The beloved British comedian retreated from the public eye in recent years, cancelling his last tour in December 2017, citing “unforeseen family circumstances “.

However, the star announced his official comeback to stand-up during an ad break in the series launch of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! on ITV earlier this week.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new gigantic tour…

When and where will the tour take place?

Kay announced six new dates for the tour, which will span from this December to August 2023. It will be his first live tour since 2010, when he scored the Guinness World Record for the biggest-selling run of all time, playing to more than 1.2 million people.

Kay will begin on 2 December at Manchester AO Arena before visiting locations including Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow and Dublin.

His run will end on 11 August 2023 at the Sheffield Utilita Arena. He has also announced a monthly residency at London’s O2 arena – the first comedian ever to do so.

Here are the national tour dates:

• Friday 2 December – Manchester AO Arena
• Saturday 3 December – Manchester AO Arena
• Saturday 17 December – Birmingham Utilita Arena
• Friday 6 January 2023 – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
• Saturday 7 January – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
• Friday 20 January – Leeds First Direct Arena
• Friday 17 February – Sheffield Utilita Arena
• Thursday 23 February – Belfast SSE Arena
• Friday 24 February – Belfast SSE Arena
• Thursday 9 March – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• Friday 10 March – Newcastle Utilita Arena
• Thursday 23 March – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
• Thursday 6 April – Dublin 3Arena
• Friday 7 April – Dublin 3Arena
• Friday 5 May – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• Saturday 6 May – Glasgow OVO Hydro
• Friday 19 May – Leeds First Direct Arena
• Friday 16 June – Cardiff International Arena
• Saturday 17 June – Cardiff International Arena
• Friday 14 July – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• Saturday 15 July – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
• Friday 11 August – Sheffield Utilita Arena

Here are the London O2 dates:

• Friday 16 December
• Saturday 21 January 2023
• Saturday 18 February
• Wednesday 22 March
• Saturday 22 April
• Saturday 3 June
• Wednesday 30 August
• Saturday 9 September
• Saturday 7 October
• Saturday 18 November

More from Culture

When do Peter Kay tickets go on sale?

Tickets go on general sale on Saturday 12 November at 10am through Ticketmaster . However, O2 Priority and Three+ customers were offered the chance to purchase pre-sale tickets from 10am on Thursday 10 November.

How much will Peter Kay tickets cost?

Kay confirmed that tickets would not be out of people’s reach. He said: “With the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35 – the same price they were on my previous tour in 2010.”

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Peter Kay Adds Extra Sheffield Date for 2023 and Beyond

Friday, 02 May 2025

Following the announcement of a nationwide arena tour and a record-breaking monthly residency at The O2, London; one of Britain’s best loved comedians, Peter Kay has announced extra dates for 2023 and beyond…

The extra show at Utilita Arena Sheffield will be an astonishing eighth show on  Friday, 02 May 2025.

ON SALE NOW

40th Anniversary Tour

Tuesday 30 September 2025

Peter Kay Adds Extra Sheffield Dates for 2023 and Beyond

Friday, 02 May 2025

Following the announcement of a nationwide arena tour and a record-breaking monthly residency at The O2, London; one of Britain’s best loved comedians, Peter Kay has announced extra dates for 2023 and beyond…

The extra show at Utilita Arena Sheffield will be an astonishing eighth show on Friday, 02 May 2025.

Additionally, there will be British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances on selected dates. Please check venue websites for details.

Tickets for these extra dates are now on sale .

🚨TONIGHT'S SHOW POSTPONED🚨

Please be aware tonight's second Diversity show has been postponed.

Statement from the promoter, 6pm : 'Due to an injury sustained during the Matinee show, tonight's Diversity performance will not take place. Please keep hold of your tickets and await further information over the coming days'

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, SCH x

Peter Kay Sheffield Utilita Arena tickets at TicketPort - home of trusted resale tickets to UK music concerts, sports events and comedy shows. Our great value prices include all fees and may be below or above face value.

PETER KAY TICKETS

Peter kay sheffield utilita arena tickets & tour dates 2023/24.

Peter Kay Sheffield Utilita Arena tickets at TicketPort - home of trusted resale tickets to UK music concerts, sports events and comedy shows. Our great value prices include all fees andmay be below or above face value.

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Peter Kay Sheffield Tickets & Events 2023/24

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Peter Kay has announced three live UK shows at Sheffield's Utilita Arena in 2023/24. Read on for all the latest Peter Kay Sheffield ticket information.

About Peter Kay

Last Updated: 14th November 2022

Peter Kay is an English actor, comedy writer and stand-up comedian. He has written, produced and acted in several television and film projects, and authored three books.

Born and brought up in Bolton, Kay studied media performance at the University of Salford. He began working part-time as a stand-up comedian, winning the North West Comedian of the Year award. In 1997 he won Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny contest and the following year was nominated for a Perrier Award for his show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With his public profile raised, in 2000 he co-wrote and starred in That Peter Kay Thing for Channel 4. This resulted in a spin-off sitcom, Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, which ran for two series from 2001 to 2002 and in turn generated another spin-off, Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere, in 2004.

In 2005 he recorded a promotional video in which he mimed to Tony Christie's 1971 hit '(Is This the Way to) Amarillo', which was reissued to raise money for Comic Relief: the song reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart, becoming that year's best-selling single in the UK.

In 2008 Kay co-wrote and starred in Britain's Got the Pop Factor... and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice, a parody of several British reality television shows. As the series' fictional protagonist Geraldine McQueen, he released the single "The Winner's Song", which reached number 2 in the UK singles chart. His 2010-2011 stand-up comedy tour was officially inaugurated into the Guinness World Records as the most successful ever selling over 1.2 million tickets. He co-wrote and starred in Peter Kay's Car Share, a sitcom screened by the BBC for three series from 2015 to 2018. He also starred in the 2015 BBC sitcom Cradle to Grave.

In 2016 Kay won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Male Comedy Performance, the BAFTA TV Award for Best Scripted Comedy and the National Television Award for Best Comedy for ...Car Share. He also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Salford.

Peter Kay has now confirmed he will be touring arenas starting in December 2022, including a monthly residency at The O2 in London. The tour proved so popular he has now announced dates into 2025!

Tickets are available now for shows in Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester and Sheffield! If your date isn't available please sign up for ticket alerts as more tickets are likely to be added to the website.

Peter Kay Live Sheffield Dates

Peter Kay - Friday 12th July 2024 Sheffield, Utilita Arena

Peter Kay - Friday 6th September 2024 Sheffield, Utilita Arena

Peter Kay - Friday 2nd May 2025 Sheffield, Utilita Arena

Peter Kay Sheffield Ticket Availability

TicketPort currently has no availability for Peter Kay Sheffield. However, we can still do our best to secure you trusted tickets for Peter Kay Sheffield on your preferred date. Simply register your interest below and we will contact you by email if further Peter Kay Sheffield tickets become available. In some cases we may be able to offer you Peter Kay Sheffield tickets before they become available on the TicketPort website, allowing you to secure your Peter Kay Sheffield tickets first. TicketPort can often secure trusted tickets for events that may otherwise seem sold out!

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Peter kay - live uk tour, utilita arena sheffield - sheffield.

17 NOVEMBER 2023 - DOORS OPEN: 7:00PM

He's back! After 12 years, legendary comedian Peter Kay has announced huge dates across the UK and will be on the road from December 2022.

EVENT TIMES

19:00 - 23:00

Utilita Arena Sheffield

Broughton Lane Sheffield South Yorkshire S9 2DF

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Peter Kay adds extra dates for 2023 live tour in Sheffield and Leeds

Peter Kay will be going on a live tour for the first time in 12 years

• 18:50, 8 DEC 2022
• Updated 06:28, 9 DEC 2022

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Peter Kay has confirmed that he will be adding extra dates onto his 2023 live tour following a huge demand for tickets.

The comedian recently returned to the stage for the first time in 12-years at the AO Arena in Manchester last Friday. His performance saw him brought to tears after he received a standing ovation which lasted several minutes.

Following the success of his first show, the 49-year-old appeared on Sara Cox’s BBC Radio show this evening to share the “exciting” news with his fans.

READ MORE: Peter Kay tickets: How to get them and what time they go on sale

Introducing Peter onto the show Sara started off by discussing his career from when he first started until now. Sara said: “We’ve done first and last gigs now, it's onto the future gigs because you’ve come on to tell us something special and exciting.”

Peter started off by thanking his fans who have already bought tickets to his tour as he continued: “I really do appreciate it and we have finally managed to book some more extra dates.”

Sara started clapping as she said: “Yay I know demand has been high because my sister went - so that is excellent news.”

Peter admitted: “It’s been amazing and people deserve a bit of joy.” Sara confirmed that Leeds and Sheifled were among the places getting extra tour dates.

Peter added: “Don’t forget guys they start at £35. I’ve done them cheap because of the whole cost of living thing.” He is due to visit locations including Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Liverpool, Belfast, Newcastle, Glasgow and Dublin, with the run ending in late 2023 at the Sheffield Utilita Arena.

The comedian , from Bolton, has been out of the spotlight in recent years. He cancelled his last tour in December 2017, citing “unforeseen family circumstances”.

His huge comeback show will see the comedian perform over 100 show across the country between now and 2025. After announcing the tour, he said: "It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy, and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now."

General sale will begin Sunday, December 11 at 10am. Tickets available from The Ticket Factory.

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Peter Kay Tickets

17 May Friday Fri 2024

20:00 AO Arena

18 May Saturday Sat 2024

23 may thursday thu 2024.

19:00 Co-op Live

01 Jun Saturday Sat 2024

18:30 First Direct Arena

02 Jun Sunday Sun 2024

19:00 O2 Arena

14 Jun Friday Fri 2024

15 jun saturday sat 2024, 12 jul friday fri 2024.

18:30 Sheffield Arena (former FlyDSA Arena)

13 Jul Saturday Sat 2024

26 jul friday fri 2024, 27 jul saturday sat 2024, 09 aug friday fri 2024.

20:00 Utilita Arena Birmingham

10 Aug Saturday Sat 2024

23 aug friday fri 2024.

19:00 AO Arena

24 Aug Saturday Sat 2024

06 sep friday fri 2024.

20:00 Sheffield Arena (former FlyDSA Arena)

07 Sep Saturday Sat 2024

20 sep friday fri 2024, 21 sep saturday sat 2024, 07 oct monday mon 2024, 08 oct tuesday tue 2024, 18 oct friday fri 2024, 19 oct saturday sat 2024, 01 nov friday fri 2024, 02 nov saturday sat 2024, 15 nov friday fri 2024.

19:00 Utilita Arena Birmingham

16 Nov Saturday Sat 2024

29 nov friday fri 2024, 30 nov saturday sat 2024, 05 dec thursday thu 2024, 06 dec friday fri 2024, 20 dec friday fri 2024, 21 dec saturday sat 2024, 10 jan friday fri 2025, 08 feb saturday sat 2025, 21 feb friday fri 2025.

19:00 Resorts World Arena

22 Feb Saturday Sat 2025

20 mar thursday thu 2025.

18:30 O2 Arena

05 Apr Saturday Sat 2025

17 may saturday sat 2025, 21 jun saturday sat 2025, 08 aug friday fri 2025.

19:00 The SSE Arena (Odyssey)

05 Oct Sunday Sun 2025

19:00 Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

06 Oct Monday Mon 2025

22 nov saturday sat 2025.

19:00 M&S Bank Arena (Liverpool Echo Arena)

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Take That move gigs to different Manchester venue over Co-op Live issues

Boyband cites ‘technical issues’ at arena where Olivia Rodrigo, Keane and Peter Kay had also been due to perform

Take That have announced they will not be performing at the new Co-op Live Arena due to “ongoing technical issues” with the venue in Manchester .

The boyband had been due to perform from Tuesday but will instead switch their shows to the rival AO Arena.

The UK’s biggest indoor arena, which cost £365m and has postponed its opening numerous times , said it will be taking “a short pause to events” before welcoming members of the public from 14 May.

A statement from Co-op Live said this was to “fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists” and allow for an “independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling” after an issue with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

On Instagram, Take That wrote: “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.

“We’re mindful many of you will already have travel and accommodation plans in place, so we have chosen this option to minimise inconvenience to as many people as possible.

“Our dates in June in Manchester remain unaffected.”

All of Take That’s shows have been transferred and are the same dates as before except for 8 May, which has been changed to 9 May.

Earlier, Keane, who have been celebrating 20 years of their debut album Hopes and Fears, said they were “really disappointed” as they revealed the postponement of a gig on Sunday. The group said it was “entirely beyond our control”.

In a statement on X, Co-op Live said: “Following the events that led to the cancelled A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show on 1 May, we have decided to take a short pause to events at Co-op Live to fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists visiting the venue. This time will allow for an independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling.”

It added: “At this time, we do not expect further impact on our opening season. We are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticket-holders. We know you’ve incurred significant disruption, and are finding a way to help make it right.”

Tim Leiweke, chair and chief executive of US-based venue operator Oak View Group, apologised for the delays and to “all those that have been affected”.

On Wednesday night the venue postponed its opening show for the third time, just over an hour before rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was due to perform, because of a problem during the sound check. The US musician’s gig is now scheduled to take place on Saturday at the AO Arena.

Olivia Rodrigo had been due to perform at the Co-op Live Arena on Friday and Saturday as part of her Guts world tour but her shows have also been postponed.

The standup comedian Peter Kay was scheduled to be the first performer at the arena but his show had to be postponed with less than 48 hours’ notice after a test event.

A Co-op Group spokesperson said: “As naming rights sponsor for Co-op Live we are disappointed with these further schedule changes.

“We fully appreciate and understand the impact and upset the delays have caused to ticket-holders and our Co-op members.

“Co-op is a sponsor and does not own or run the venue, and we have made it clear to Oak View Group, who are responsible for the building, that the impact on ticket-holders must be addressed as a priority.

“We are pleased that they will shortly be putting plans in place to do so.

“We also understand that the necessary safety checks following yesterday’s incident are being completed and independently verified so that Co-op members and other ticket-holders can be reassured that the venue has the very highest levels of security and safety measures.”

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• Greater Manchester

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Peter Kay forced to postpone gigs for a second time because of arena issues

Comedian Peter Kay and US rockers The Black Keys have been forced to reschedule dates at the Manchester Co-op Arena due to the venue not being ready.

Friday 26 April 2024 14:15, UK

Peter Kay says he has been forced to postpone two shows at a new arena in Manchester again - this time for almost a month.

The comedian was due to perform at the Co-op Live in Manchester , which is set to become the UK's biggest arena, on 23 and 24 April.

Behind-schedule power tests and safety concerns meant both gigs were initially pushed back to 29 and 30 April - but now, the dates have been delayed until 23 and 24 May.

Co-op Live's general manager, Gary Roden, resigned on Thursday following a series of problems and delays at the new venue.

Kay wrote: "To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again... I know I can't believe it either."

He added: "It's very disappointing but your safety is important and I won't compromise that."

My apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience. Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either). Read the full statement below. pic.twitter.com/QgiIdiNVlu — Peter Kay (@peterkay_co_uk) April 26, 2024

Roden announced his resignation after a slew of issues led to a delay in the opening of what will be the UK's biggest indoor arena, built at an estimated cost of £365m.

More on Peter Kay

Peter Kay gigs pulled just a day ahead of Co-op Live's launch in Manchester

Peter Kay performs three secret gigs in Bolton

Entertainment predictions for 2023: Stars in court, more royal fallout and Oscars buzz

Related Topics:

In an X/Twitter post on Friday, comedian Kay apologised to fans for the cancellations.

The 50-year-old Phoenix Nights star wrote: "To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn't ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

"Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can't believe it either)."

It was also announced that The Black Keys gig due to be held at the venue this weekend has been pushed back too.

Headaches for Co-op Arena became patently clear after capacity for a test event last Saturday was reduced with just hours' notice.

The arena originally announced on Monday that Kay's performances would instead take place on 29 and 30 April, with Kay saying he was "truly gutted" by the delay. However, the comedy gigs will now move again, to late next month.

He wrote: "Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren't suitable. It's very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won't compromise that."

In a post on X/Twitter, Co-Op Live Arena said: "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."

The US rock band will now play at the venue on 15 May.

A spokesperson for the venue posted: "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."

Last weekend, a preview concert starring Rick Astley was also hit by delays, with capacity slashed just hours before his gig was due to begin.

Astley fans who had their tickets cancelled were instead offered seats to see The Black Keys play, before that show was pushed back.

Organisers said one problem in particular related to the power supply that was the cause of the cancellation.

Read more: Jack Whitehall reacts to Prince William calling his jokes 'dad-like' Comedians Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont to divorce Crime scene weeks after discovery of human tors o in woods

A spokesperson said: "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."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Once fully open, the arena next to Manchester City's stadium will have a capacity of 23,500, overtaking the size of the existing Manchester Arena which can hold 21,000 spectators.

The Co-Op Live Arena counts former One Direction singer Harry Styles as one of its investors, with the pop star also advising on some elements of its design.

Other stars that were due to play at the venue include Take That , Liam Gallagher , Olivia Rodrigo and Eric Clapton.

Kay has been on a comeback tour since December, appearing in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham - his first tour since 2010.

Related Topics

Liam Gallagher Says He'll Play Lidl if Manchester's Co-op Live Arena Isn't Ready in Time

Liam Gallagher says he'll play a show in a Lidl supermarket if Manchester's beleaguered new Co-op Live arena isn't ready in time for his Definitely Maybe anniversary tour gigs in June.

Although the Mancunian icon is scheduled to perform at Co-op Live on June 15, 16, 27, and 28, the venue's launch has been plagued by a series of technical difficulties and mishaps that have forced it to postpone or cancel shows by Olivia Rodrigo , the Black Keys , Keane , and more.

When fans began tweeting at Gallagher to see if his concerts are still happening, the former Oasis singer and current John Squire collaborator initially seemed optimistic.

"I hope so surely they’ll have it sorted by then," he tweeted in response. "Keep the faith Rastas," he added .

But if the venue's issues aren't sorted by then? "Gig in LIDL," Gallagher said .

"What abt tesco?" another fan asked. "F--k tesco c--ts," the rock star replied , ever the diplomat.

While Gallagher was almost certainly joking, Lidl was more than happy to accept his offer. "We're gonna roll with it," the chain replied to his to his tweet.

"Maybe? DEFINITELY," they added, going on to suggest a few tweaks to classic Oasis songs to fit the setting: "Lidl by Lidl," "Champagne Superoffer," "Super(market) Sonic," "The Importance of Being Lidl," "Tiger Roll With It," "Don't Look Back in Hanger," and "Some Might Save."

Aldi, of course, got jealous .

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Co-Op Live was originally supposed to open with two stand-up comedy shows by Peter Kay on Apil 23 and 24. But following a trial event with Rick Astley for a reduced audience and a failed power test, the gigs were postponed until April 29 and 30 — and then pushed back again to May 23 and 24.

This week, a concert from singer and rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, which would have been the arena's official opening night, was also cancelled at the last minute after part of the venue's ventilation system fell from the ceiling in the middle of a sound check.

"Following the events that led to the cancelled A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show on 1 May, we have decided to take a short pause to events at Co-op Live to fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists visiting the venue,” the venue shared in a statement. "This time will allow for an independent inspection of all elements of the arena ceiling ... At this time, we do not expect further impact on our opening season."

Gallagher is set to perform material from 1994 debut album Definitely Maybe in a 30th anniversary tour featuring support from his son Gene Gallagher's band Villanelle .

Tour dates:

June 2 – Sheffield, Utilita Arena

June 3 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena

June 6 – London, The O2

June 7 – London, The O2

June 10 – London, The O2

June 11 – London, The O2

June 15 – Manchester, Co-op Live

June 16 – Manchester, Co-op Live

June 19 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro

June 20 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro

June 23 – Dublin, 3Arena

June 24 – Dublin, 3Arena

June 27 – Manchester, Co-op Live

June 28 – Manchester, Co-op Live

Co-op Live boss reveals exact reasons behind delays to venue's opening as The Black Keys concert re-scheduled the day before - and Peter Kay gigs moved again

EXCLUSIVE: The American boss of Manchester's new arena has told the M.E.N. why the opening has been dramatically delayed

• 14:44, 26 APR 2024
• Updated 08:20, 28 APR 2024

The man behind Co-op Live has revealed exactly why the opening of Manchester's new arena has been delayed again. In an exclusive interview with the Manchester Evening News , Tim Leiweke explained why the £365m venue has pushed back Peter Kay's two performances for a second time and rescheduled The Black Keys' show tomorrow (April 27).

The Bolton comedian's official opening show was supposed to take place on Tuesday (April 23). But with just one day to go, it was postponed to a week later . Now, the two Peter Kay gigs are set to take place on Thursday, 23 May and Friday, 24 May, while a performance by The Black Keys scheduled for Saturday (April 27) has been moved to May 15.

Mr Leiweke, who is the managing director at the American Oak View Group, told the M.E.N. he is confident the 23,500 capacity arena will be ready for Olivia Rodrigo's two nights starting on Friday (May 3). That will follow a performance by Boogie Wit Da Hoodie planned for Wednesday (May 1), at which the upper tiers will be closed.

READ MORE: Emergency services reveal exact Co-op Live problems after Peter Kay shows postponed again

The Co-op Live boss blamed Brexit, Covid and a record amount of rainfall for the delays to the construction of, what he describes as, 'the best arena outside of North America'. He admitted the company knew the deadline for the original opening show by Peter Kay scheduled for Tuesday (April 23) would be 'tight' as some testing still had to be completed.

Mr Leiweke said bosses at the new venue discovered there was still 'a lot of work to do' following a test event on Saturday (April 20), which saw Rick Astley take to the stage. Hours before the event, ticket holders were told the capacity had been cut from around 11,000 to 4,000, with some offered tickets to see The Black Keys instead.

It came after concerns were raised by police and the fire service when tests took place. The M.E.N . understands Greater Manchester Police was not satisfied with the strength and reach of the radio system inside the venue.

A GMP spokesperson told the M.E.N. the force raised the importance of suitable coverage for emergency services communication in 2023. The force added that this month, it found the coverage is still not sufficient.

Mr Leiweke told the M.E.N. that in the last three weeks, GMP requested a special radio system be installed to overcome the issue. The venue's boss said he personally called the president of Motorola in the US to find a solution.

He said: "The biggest bugaboo has been the request on a special radio system that is for the police only on their system. And so, this is something we've spent the last couple of weeks trying to get definition. Once we got definition, literally, I called the president of Motorola in Chicago and said, 'I got a problem, I need to find it in a day'.

"It's here today and getting installed, and then we'll test it. But we've agreed with the police to let them test it. Now, that was a bit of a curveball for us. That wasn't something that people were telling us three years ago, or two years ago, or a year ago.

"We're good. We get why the police want it. We're the only arena in the UK that will have this exclusive secure line just for the police department. But it takes a couple of extra days.

"Out of an abundance of caution, I don't want to install it and then hope it works tomorrow. So let's install it and give ourselves two days to test it.

"The police are grateful for that. As much as everyone's saying we're at odds with them, we're not. We are giving them what they want.

"That's a temporary solution and then we're going to work on the long-term solution. But that temporary solution, again, is the most technologically advanced radio system in any arena anywhere in the UK and no one has it - including the AO.

"It takes time. When you build something like this, when it's the biggest arena in the world, you're going to have a few hiccups."

Mr Leiweke said the fire service also asked for 'another couple of extra days' to complete testing at the new venue. He explained that one of the health and safety features of the building that still needs to be tested is the emergency opening of all of the doors around the venue, which relies on the airflow system popping them open.

He said: "We've got the fire alarms, we've got the CCTVs, we've got the command centre which ultimately has to be up and operating - which it is. They would prefer that we spend a couple of more days and not be in a situation where today at 5 o'clock we cancel tomorrow."

Mr Leiweke thanked the artists for agreeing to reschedule at such short notice. He told the M.E.N. The Black Keys, who were supposed to perform tomorrow (April 27), will now come to Co-op Live at the end of their UK tour.

He praised Peter Kay, who is not currently on tour, for his 'very good sense of humour', claiming the Bolton comedian backed the venue and did not want to risk postponing his performance at short notice again. However, Mr Leiweke said he is confident Oliva Rodrigo's two concerts starting on Friday (May 3) will go ahead.

He said: "We've looked at this a hundred different ways in the last 24 hours. She's good. We'll deal with any issues that arise. Do I expect that we will be at full capacity next Friday? Yes. So [do] the police, so does the fire department, so does our contractor BAM and SES, which is our electrical contractor."

Mr Leiweke also revealed three stands will be 'nicely' boarded up when the venue opens and are set to be completed in the next phase of construction. Responding to claims some toilets are still not operational, he said that some will still not have water while the building is being tested, but they will be up and running by Friday.

The venue previously said the issues that led to Peter Kay's performance being postponed were related to the power. The M.E.N. was told by one contractor electricians were behind schedule, causing knock-on delays.

Asked about these delays, Mr Leiweke said he had 'nothing but nice things to say' about the 10,000 people working on the project. But he told the M.E.N. a lead contractor was crying last night 'because he felt he let us down'.

He said: "I've got 10,000 people who've worked on this project. 10,000. A lot of people, emotionally, have put a lot into this. A lot of us have staked our careers, and our company on this.

"We have contingencies. We're not going to need it for Olivia [Rodrigo]. We will open up next Friday."

The M.E.N. understands a completion certificate is yet to be issued by Manchester council's building control team. That can only be issued once construction is complete, but the venue can open to the public before that.

Mr Leiweke said inspectors are going through the building today (Friday, April 26) and tomorrow with a 600-point 'punch list'. But he said some of the items on this list may not be checked off for another six months to a year.

He said: "Every building I've ever opened, we've had a punch list of as long as 10,000 items. Some of it's easy like paint. Some of it's a little more complicated like lighting systems."

The venue was initially scheduled to open at the start of this year, but the opening was postponed to April. Mr Leiweke said this was down to workforce shortages, which he blamed on Brexit, and disruption caused by Covid.

He said: "That is the thing surprised me the most. Finding skilled labour is a lot harder to do right now in the UK than it was before Brexit. When I built the O2, we still had issues trying to fill the jobs, but Brexit has had a remarkable impact on the skilled trades craftsmen. So the double shifts are harder to do quite frankly right now."

In a joint statement, Manchester council, Greater Manchester Police , Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service said: "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."

Speaking on behalf of all emergency services, a GMP spokesperson told the M.E.N: "Emergency services raised the importance of ensuring the provision of suitable coverage for emergency services communication in 2023. The most recent testing has been taking place this month and has indicated that coverage is not yet sufficient to meet our safety needs. Work on resolving this is currently taking place and we are confident that it will be resolved soon."

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From construction to cancellations at Manchester's new Co-op Live Arena

• Entertainment
• Friday 3 May 2024 at 9:35am

After four years and £365m in construction costs the UK's biggest indoor arena has still not officially opened its doors.

Bosses at Manchester's Co-op Live have been forced to cancel yet more "opening" shows after the latest in a line of problems, with part of an air conditioning unit falling from a ceiling .

So what were the events leading to a major new venue having such a chaotic start and being branded "Co-Flop" on social media?

Here is a timeline of what happened:

Planners give approval for the venue with developer, Oak View Group, promising the project will create 3,500 jobs during construction and a further 1,000 once opened.

That same year, former One Direction member Harry Styles is announced as an investor for the arena - which is next door to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

The first gig announced for Co-op Live is Jonas Brothers for June 2024 but they are not to be the first act to play the venue.

More artists are confirmed over the year with an opening date set for April 2024.

2024 29 February

Co-op Live is chosen to host the 2024 MTV European Music Awards, scheduled to take place on 10 November.

Headaches for the new arena became painfully clear when capacity for a test event, featuring Rick Astley, is reduced shortly beforehand.

The star still plays his show and there reports on social media that it is a success.

Co-op Live's opening night is cancelled, with less than 48 hours to go, shelving performances by comedian Peter Kay.

His gigs are shifted to 29 and 30 April and Kay says he is "truly gutted" for his fans.

"Obviously," he writes, "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 and Tums class) but hopefully I'll see you then."

A venue spokesman says that "consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue" is two days behind and more time is needed to test it "thoroughly."

He adds: "This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size."

Following a slew of issues, Co-op Live's general manager Gary Roden resigns.

His departure comes in the wake of a backlash against him claiming to the BBC that grassroots music venues were often "poorly run."

The Music Venue Trust criticises Mr Roden in a statement of its own, telling the NME that grassroots music venues are not "poorly run," and it is "disrespectful and disingenuous to suggest otherwise."

It adds: "Obviously, the irony of making ill-judged, unnecessary and misleading comments about grassroots music venues on the day that the launch of their new arena has unfortunately fallen into such difficulties is not lost on anyone in the music industry, on artists, or on audiences."

Rebecca Kane Burton, an ex-boss of London’s O2 Arena, is then announced as interim general manager.

Jessica Koravos, president of OVG International, thanks Mr Roden for his help and wishes him "the best for the future."

However, she says his interview remarks are not a “sentiment” shared by the stadium.

"Co-op Live remains committed to grassroots music in Manchester and beyond."

For a second time, Peter Kay has to reschedule because the venue is still not "ready". American rock band, The Black Keys, also lose their spot.

As Kay’s shows move to 23 and 24 May, he says it is "very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won't compromise that."

The Black Keys' appearance shifts to 15 May.

In a statement Co-op Live insist there is "reassurance" for fans that dates for US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, real name Julius Dubose, on 1 May, and American singer Olivia Rodrigo's performances on 3 and 4 May will go ahead.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of developer Oak View Group, Tim Leiweke, offers his "sincerest apologies to every fan that has been impacted by this decision and others this week" and joins his team "in thanking them for their continued patience and support as we prepare to open our doors".

Both A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo dates are postponed.

Just over an hour before A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is set to perform, a component of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system falls from a ceiling.

Oak View Group say a nozzle, used to direct air, separated from ductwork. The installer, contractor and a third-party inspector now have to test each one to confirm they are free from defects.

Two hours after cancelling A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Co-op Live also cancels on Rodrigo.

A statement on X, formerly Twitter, the venue say: "Ticket holders can either hold on to their tickets or obtain a refund at point of purchase."

British rock band Keane, who were due to play there on Sunday, cancel their gig.

In a post on X, they say they were "absolutely gutted" to cancel the gig because of "ongoing technical issues beyond our control. We are doing all we can to reschedule the show."

Less than an hour later, British pop group Take That announce they are moving their shows to the rival Manchester AO Arena.

In a statement on X the band wrote: "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.

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

AO Arena posted: "Welcome back, Take That. The band synonymous with the city of Manchester returns to AO Arena".

Later in the evening, the Co-op Live arena announced it will be taking "a short pause to events" before welcoming members of the public to the arena from 14 May for Elbow.

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