Yahoo News Emergency services reveal exact Co-op Live problems after Peter Kay shows postponed again
Manchester City Council and the emergency services have issued a joint statement after more gigs were cancelled at the new Co-op Live arena.
Bosses at the new the 23,500-capacity music venue in Eastlands announced today that the venue will not open as planned this weekend. The Black Keys were due to play at the venue on Saturday, while Peter Kay was due to play two shows next week - which had already been postponed.
Now, The Black Keys gig has been moved to Wednesday, May 15 while the two Peter Kay gigs will take place on Thursday, 23 May and Friday, 24 May. Following the announcement of the cancellations, Manchester council and the emergency services in our region have issued a joint statement showing 'support' for the decision.
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They revealed the exact issues that have led to the decision and the 'outstanding elements' that need to be sorted before a proper show. These include a fully tested emergency services communication system, some remaining internal security systems and fire safety measures.
In full, the statement from Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the 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."
The latest news comes in the wake of a horrendous week for the arena that is set to become the UK's largest indoor venue when it opens. Its test event last weekend had its capacity slashed from around 11,000 to 4,000 hours before it was due to start amid issues to do with power.
The M.E.N revealed how Greater Manchester's emergency services had raised concerns prior to that decision. Just 24 hours later, it was announced that Peter Kay's grand opening for the arena on Tuesday and second show on Wednesday had been postponed by a week.
And, after further reports of major issues behind the scenes, the venue's boss dramatically quit yesterday evening. In a statement issued today, Co-op Live 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 all areas are ready for fans. To ensure that we can run all show safety, 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 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 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 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."
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