Comedian Peter Kay has said he is "truly gutted" after opening performances of his new arena tour were postponed with less than 48 hours' notice.
Manchester’s Co-op Live - which will be the UK arena on the tour, seating 23,500 people - was due to officially open this week with shows from the Bolton-born comic on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kay is due to play two sold-out nights in the 3Arena, Dublin in July next year as part of his first major tour in 12 years.
An important update from Co-op Live. 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. pic.twitter.com/SxW50Ph5hm
— Co-op Live (@TheCoopLive) April 22, 2024
But, after capacity for a test event on Saturday was reduced with just hours’ notice, the arena announced on Monday that Kay’s performances would instead take place on 29 and 30 April 29 and 30.
In a statement posted on X by Co-op Live, 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 and Tums class) but hopefully I’ll see you then."
A spokesman for the arena, which is next door to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, said: "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."
Source: Press Association
