Manchester’s Co-Op Live boss is “not embarrassed” by gig postponements, as they “focus on ensuring a consistent total power supply”

nme.com:

recent gig postponements, and instead “focusing on ensuring a consistent total power supply”.The new venue, which is the UK’s largest indoor arena, is located opposite Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, and features a “unique bowl design” that will bring fans “closer to the artist than at other arenas of equivalent size”, according to a spokesperson.It was set to launch this week, with Bolton comedian Peter Kay scheduled to perform yesterday (April 23) and today (April 24).

However, following a test gig featuring Rick Astley over the weekend, it was later decided that the dates would be moved to next Monday (April 29) and Tuesday (30) due to the venue’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.“Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay,” the venue said in a statement. “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.”Now, the organisers at the arena have shared another update on the comedian’s shows and said that the postponement comes as they turn their focus to the power supply.“We are focusing on ensuring a consistent total power supply to our venue, and testing thoroughly,” the update on Twitter/X read yesterday afternoon (April 23).We are focusing on ensuring a consistent total power supply to our venue, and testing thoroughly.