Birthdays 'ruined', hundreds of pounds wasted on trains and fans left 'gutted': Co-op Live pulls plug on opening night show a day before

Birthday plans were left in ruins, hundreds of pounds were wasted on train tickets and fans were left 'gutted' after Co-op Live cancelled its opening Peter Kay gig just a day before the show.

The highly-anticipated show was due to go ahead tomorrow (April 23) and on Wednesday, at the 23,500-capacity venue. It would have been the showpiece opening for the city's flagship new venue, the largest in the UK.

But just a day before, it was announced by the venue that both shows had been cancelled with work not yet complete. The council's building control is also yet to sign the building off.

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Co-op Live later confirmed on Monday afternoon that both shows would be rescheduled. The two new Peter Kay dates will take place next Monday (29 April) and Tuesday (30 April).

But after the announcement, which some ticket holders complained they read about on social media or in the Manchester Evening News, excited fans hoping to see Peter Kay at the new venue were left 'gutted' and out of pocket.

Clare Donovan had bought six tickets to to go to Tuesday night's show for her mum's 70th birthday. Her parents had caught the train up from Cardiff and Clare, from London. The family have been left stranded in the city after booking time off work and paying hundreds for hotels and train fares.

"I had to call her [my mum] just a few hours ago and she was really upset. Me and my brother, wife and friend were also travelling up as a surprise, so three lots of people have spent money on trains, hotel and have booked time off work," she said.

"We have lost a day's holiday and there is no chance we can go next week. I found out through the M.E.N article, and then had an email from Ticketmaster saying the tickets would be valid next week but nothing about any other costs.

"My parents are in Manchester at the moment and due to stay for two nights; it's so disappointing when you plan to make your mum's birthday special to have it ruined and get this at such late notice."

Fans also took to social media after the announcement, claiming they had lost out financially due to the plans being cancelled. MrWilmslow wrote on X: "People have booked days off, trains, hotels that no longer can be cancelled, baby sitters, made plans for the evening before and after. I have spent over £1k for my family to make this."

Bahram Karimi wrote on Facebook: "I am gutted. It was a special treat for my wife's Birthday. Special lunch and then Peter Kay. And we didn't go to Amsterdam for this" as Kieron Sales posted: "Would’ve been nice to receive an email rather than finding out on a social media post!!! Booked 2 x tickets and a hotel in the city centre tomorrow night for my wife’s 50th birthday! Doubt I’ll be able to get a refund on the hotel stay or amend the booking!!!"

Shirley Blackburn posted: "Was really looking forward to this and initially really disappointed. Now getting cross as we cant do the rescheduled date and we have already paid for hotel stay in manchester. Looking at the comments we're not as out of pocket as many others though."

The last minute cancellation comes after problems with power at the site, which are believed to have affected the fire safety and emergency services communication systems, led to bosses slashing attendance from around 11,000 to 4,000 at Saturday night's test event - less than two hours before it was due to start.

Manchester City Council's building control department also cannot issue a completion certificate while work is still ongoing at the site, which is understood to include corridors and wiring. The venue could still operate without this certificate after presenting council bosses with a mitigation strategy to manage potential risks, although details of this plan have not been made public.

A spokesperson for Co-op Live said: "Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay. These dates will move from 23 April and 24 Wednesday to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April.

"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.

"Peter Kay has very graciously agreed to perform his record-breaking comedy at Co-op Live on 29 (rescheduled from 23) and 30 (rescheduled from 24) April 2024. All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend. We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause for some. We are thrilled to welcome Peter Kay as our grand opening act just a few days later than planned."

Peter Kay said: “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."

Co-op Live added: "We can’t wait to welcome fans to Co-op Live for our official grand opening events with Peter Kay, and to showcase Co-op Live at its very best. We will still be hosting The Black Keys on 27 April in the lower bowl with 10K fans as planned, and will continue to test the resilience of the venue and its operations."