Yahoo News "Waited in the downpour then got told to leave": Gig-goers react after Manchester gig cancelled due to torrential rain
Music fans have shared their reaction after a gig at Victoria Warehouse was cancelled at short notice last night due to the heavy rain causing a leak at the venue.
Almost an hour after doors had originally been set to open for the show from American pop rock act PVRIS on Sunday night (May 12), bosses at the music venue in Old Trafford were forced to postpone the gig due to torrential storms causing a leak in the roof.
Posting on social media, PVRIS singer Lynn Gunn, who hails from Massachusetts, wrote: “Manchester, we are so sorry to have to cancel the show tonight due to a massive leak in the venue’s ceiling, causing flooding right before doors.”
The singer said whilst she had tried to find an alternative, there was ‘unfortunately no option for the show to go ahead’. Victoria Warehouse said in a separate statement: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and all customers are advised to retain tickets until further notice.”
Speaking about the situation, one fan explained: “Me & my friend were inside the venue at the time, it was pouring with rain but INDOORS, I've never seen anything like it! It wasn't like a small leak, water was absolutely pouring in, right next to the stage, we all got given ponchos and evacuated, it was absolutely crazy!”
However, other fans shared frustration over the situation causing them to lose out on travel and accommodation expenses. One fan wrote: “My two daughters are there now...can they claim back their train tickets and overnight hotel from you? I'm assuming that will be fine due to the short notice.”
Another said: “We've travelled from Cambridge, paid the toll road fee, all the fuel, and have a hotel room. Waited in the downpour for 40 mins then got told to leave.”
Despite the high levels of rain over a short period of time, some fans also criticised the venue for the ‘short notice’. One said: “Very poor how long this announcement took - 55 minutes after doors “opened” and people have been being turned away.” Another posted: “It's pretty bad to wait this long to announce it's been cancelled when it was clear earlier on that it wasn't going ahead.”
Others said they felt the move had been the right decision. One fan said: “To everyone moaning. The roof caved in due to the horrendous amount of rain at around 6pm. If you’d like your gig to be open air in a thunderstorm then feel free…”
Another fan wrote: “Hope everyone in Manchester for the PVRIS gig is ok and got somewhere safe to spend the night / their time since the show was cancelled. Hope you guys get another chance to see them soon.”
One other posted: “Super gutted the PVRIS concert in Manchester got cancelled tonight due to flooding at the venue. Please stay safe everyone, this weather is awful.”
Sharing a meme of the ‘You won, Jane’ contestant from Come Dine With Me, another fan posted: “You won, rain. Enjoy cancelling PVRIS, I hope it makes you happy. Dear lord, what a sad little life, rain.”
Victoria Warehouse has been approached by the M.E.N for further details.
