Peter Kay shows at UK's biggest new arena Co-op Live postponed again
Some tickets might be available for the new dates
Last updated 26th Apr 2024
Back in February, excitement was brewing after the announcement of the opening act for the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester, Peter Kay. However, the first two events have now been postponed.
On 22nd April, Peter announced the first postponement, revealing he would now be bringing his record-breaking tour to the venue when it opens on the 29th and 30th April. Sharing the new dates, he wrote: 'Following Coop Live’s first test event on Saturday, regretfully the venue operators have made the difficult decision to reschedule the two opening performances by Peter Kay. These dates will move from 23 April and 24 Wednesday to Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 April.'
However, just days later, Peter tweeted again to confirm the dates had been moved once again, revealing his shows will now take place on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April.
Peter tweeted: '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).
Why has the event been postponed?
Co-op Live shared a statement on social media, explaining why they've decided to postpone the opening night performance of Peter Kay. They wrote: '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 April 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.'
A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "We respect the decision by Co-op Live to rearrange their first public events at the new arena. Although no doubt disappointing for both the venue and those who were attending the first shows this week, it is the right decision if they feel the venue is not ready to welcome visitors and their systems aren't fully tested.
“The Council will continue to work closely with the venue as they push to complete the arena and prepare to host their first official shows."
On Friday 26th April, Co-Op Live released another statement, revealing The Black Keys show has also been postponed.
Read the full statement below:
Who will be performing at Co-op Live?
As well as Peter Kay, other acts who have been announced for the venue over the coming months include Hits Live, Harry Styles, The Eagles, Olivia Rodrigo, Take That, Pearl Jam, Eric Clapton and Nicki Minaj.
When will Peter Kay be performing at Co-op Live?
May 2024
Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th April.
Manchester, Co-op Live - Thur 23rd
Manchester, Co-op Live - Fri 24th
When does Co-op Live open?
It looks like the venue will now open on 1st May. The venue, which has 23,500 seats is the largest in the UK and will offer an unparalleled fan experience.
When are tickets on sale for Peter Kay?
Tickets for Peter Kay are on sale now from from Aloud.com
Where is Co-op Live?
Co-op Live is in Manchester, its address is Co-op Live, 1 Sports City Way, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3DU.
What is Co-op Live?
Co-op Live is a brand new arena in Manchester, set to open on 29th April 2024. The arena aims to be Europe’s most sustainable arena. It will be 100% electric with solar panels, and recycling rain water in the toilets and for watering plants. It will also use reusable cups to reduce the usage of plastic.
Speaking about the announcement, Gary Roden, Executive Director and General Manager, Co-op Live, said: "When you think of Manchester, it’s hard not to think of Peter Kay. He embodies what this city is about, and to have him headlining Co-op Live is tremendously exciting. We’re creating an arena that is truly part of the community around it, and having Peter as our opening act is a perfect reminder of that.”
Take a look through other tours coming up across the country:
Cian Ducrot
Cian Ducrot announced in March 2025 he's heading out on his first ever arena headline show! Cian is playing dates across the UK and Ireland in July, September and December!
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff has released her first new music in 10 years called 'Mature' and with it, announced a series of intimate gigs, including one in London. She will perform in London on 19th January 2026 as part of her 'Small Rooms, Big Nerves' tour.
Jason Derulo
Jason will be performing several dates across the UK and Ireland in January and February 2026. The singer is expected to perform some of his biggest hits from the last 15 years.
James Arthur
One to look forward to next year in 2026 - In celebration of his sixth studio album 'Pisces', James Arthur is going on a huge tour in February 2026! Starting in Nottingham at Motorpoint Arena on Tuesday 3rd February, the singer will then travel across the UK ending at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Saturday 21st February.
Fatboy Slim
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Kesha
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Leigh-Anne
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Alex Warren
'Ordinary' singer Alex Warren is heading to this side of the pond in the spring of 2026, with UK tour dates from 20th April to 6th May. He'll be visiting London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Belfast and Dublin.
Louis Tomlinson
Following the release of his first new music in three years, 'Lemonade', and the announcement of his third solo album 'How Did I Get Here?', Louis Tomlinson has now announced he will be going on a World Tour in 2026. The singer will perform seven dates across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2026.
Example
Example has announced he will be going on tour in May 2026. The singer is known for his hits 'Kickstarts', 'Won't Got Quietly' and 'Changed the Way You Kiss Me'. He will be performing five dates across England in May 2026.
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026'
'Clubland Arena Tour 2026' has been announced featuring Cascada, Ian Van Dahl, Cascada and Darren Styles. Taking place across two weekends in May, the events will take place in Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Aberdeen with a new show in Leeds.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat has announced UK dates for 'Tour Ma Vie World Tour', which will see her performing across the country in May 2026. The 'Say So' singer will start her tour in Glasgow on Thursday 21st May 2026, followed by dates in Manchester and Birmingham, ending her run in London at the O2 Arena on Friday 29th May.
Sister Sisters - 'The Kiki Continues'
The Sister Sisters have now announced outdoor dates across the UK in May, July and August 2026, including several festivals - Mighty Hoopla, Rock Oyster Festival and Boomtown Festival. 'The Kiki Continues' will start in London in May.
James Arthur - Summer dates 2026
James Arthur has announced two dates for Summer 2026. The singer will play in Scarborough and Halifax in July at outdoor venues. He told his fans they would be 'very special shows'.
Lewis Capaldi - Summer dates 2026
In September 2025, just a few days after he started his autumn tour, Lewis announced lots of summer 2026 dates! He then added to these dates after they sold out very quickly. He will tour the UK and Ireland in June, July and August.
Pitbull
Pitbull has been announced as the headline act for several gigs next summer. After the success of his 'Party After Dark Tour' in 2025, he will be returning to the UK for gigs in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Belfast as part of a larger tour including dates in Ireland.
The gigs take place across June and July 2026.
Ariana Grande
In August, Ariana Grande announced she would be going on 'The Eternal Sunshine Tour', including five dates in the UK. The singer will be coming to the UK in August 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Buy tickets now!
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